Ebola Resurgence in Eastern DRC Claims 65 Lives

On 15 May 2026 Africa CDC confirmed an Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province, eastern DRC. Health authorities recorded 65 deaths, four of them laboratory-confirmed, and 246 suspected cases. Cases cluster in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with additional suspected infections in Bunia.

BREAKING: Ebola Outbreak Declared as 65 Deaths ReportedThe GuardianDeadly Ebola Resurgence in DR Congo Leaves 65 Dead

Ebola first appeared in the DRC (then Zaire) in 1976 and has caused 16 outbreaks, most involving the Zaire strain for which a vaccine exists. The 2018-2020 episode killed about 2,300 people. The 2014-16 West African epidemic, the largest on record, produced roughly 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths, underscoring the global threat posed by Ebola. Preliminary testing this time detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples; the DRC’s national research laboratory, the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), performed the analysis in coordination with the Ministry of Health. Full genetic sequencing, due within 24 hours, may reveal a different strain.

BREAKING: Ebola Outbreak Declared as 65 Deaths ReportedThe GuardianDeadly Ebola Resurgence in DR Congo Leaves 65 Dead

Ituri shares borders with Uganda and South Sudan, and its mining towns such as Mongwalu attract workers from across the region, creating a conduit for rapid virus transmission. Africa CDC pledged solidarity with the DRC government and called for rapid regional coordination. An emergency meeting with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, the World Health Organization and pharmaceutical partners was convened to boost cross-border surveillance, align vaccine distribution and share personal protective equipment.

The Guardian

• Deaths: 65 (4 confirmed)

BREAKING: Ebola Outbreak Declared as 65 Deaths Reported

• Suspected cases: 246

The Guardian

• Positive samples: 13/20

BREAKING: Ebola Outbreak Declared as 65 Deaths Reported

• Historical DRC outbreaks: 16 since 1976

The Guardian

Early tests suggest a non-Zaire strain, but definitive classification awaits sequencing; the full extent of unconfirmed cases remains unknown.

Deadly Ebola Resurgence in DR Congo Leaves 65 Dead

• “Africa CDC stands in solidarity with the government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they respond to this outbreak,” — Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General, Africa CDC

The Guardian

• “Given the high population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries, rapid regional coordination is essential.” — Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General, Africa CDC

The Guardian

• “The Democratic Republic of the Congo often sees fatalities from Ebola. There is likely a perfect storm of factors that cause these regular outbreaks. Close human contact with animal reservoirs, most likely bats but possibly also primates, is one factor. Other concerns include the movement of people between rural and urban environments, the tropical climate, and the high rainforest coverage.” — Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow, University of Southampton

The Guardian

The emergency coordination meeting will finalize cross-border surveillance protocols. Sequencing results will guide vaccine deployment and determine whether existing Zaire-strain vaccines remain suitable.

BREAKING: Ebola Outbreak Declared as 65 Deaths Reported