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Africa CDC reports Ebola outbreak in Ituri, DR Congo with 65 deaths among 246 suspected cases
Africa CDC reports a confirmed Ebola outbreak in Ituri province, DR Congo, with 65 deaths among 246 suspected cases. Sequencing suggests a non-Zaire strain, and cross-border coordination with neighboring countries is being stepped up.
Why It Matters
The outbreak risks spreading due to urban areas, population movement, and mining-related mobility near borders with Uganda and South Sudan; rapid regional coordination is urged.
Timeline
5 Events
Ituri outbreak noted as Congo's 17th Ebola outbreak since 1976
May 15, 2026
The Africa CDC noted the outbreak is Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the disease was first identified in 1976.
WHO commits $500,000 for outbreak response
May 15, 2026
The World Health Organization released $500,000 from its contingency fund for emergencies to support surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and clinical care for the response.
Africa CDC confirms outbreak in Ituri with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases
May 15, 2026
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced a confirmed Ebola outbreak in Ituri province, with 65 deaths out of 246 suspected cases reported so far. Four deaths were among laboratory-confirmed cases. Suspected cases reported in Bunia; most deaths and suspected cases in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Sequencing is ongoing to characterise a non-Zaire strain.
Kinshasa lab confirms Ebola positive cases; total positives rises to 13
May 14, 2026
A laboratory in Kinshasa confirmed positive Ebola cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed positive cases to 13.
MSF warns of catastrophic hygiene conditions in displacement sites; risk of outbreaks
May 5, 2026
Medecins Sans Frontieres warned of catastrophic hygiene conditions in displacement sites in Ituri, raising the risk of disease outbreaks amid an already dire humanitarian situation.