MSF Worker Tests Positive for Ebola in DRC, Evacuated to the Netherlands

On Oct 1, 2026 a Médecins Sans Frontières staff member contracted Bundibugyo virus disease while assisting the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The worker was placed under strict medical protocols and evacuated to a designated hospital in the Netherlands in coordination with Congolese and Dutch health authorities.

MSF staff member tests positive for Ebola disease and is being medically evacuated The Straits Times

Since the outbreak began in May, the National Institute of Public Health reported 8,224 confirmed infections and 3,982 deaths as of Sept 30. Africa CDC data show that 254 health workers have been infected, 50 of whom have died. On Sept 29, 53 new cases and 28 deaths were recorded, including 22 community deaths.

The Straits Times

MSF confirmed the positive test but declined to disclose personal details, citing medical confidentiality. The organization emphasized that, despite training and protective equipment, exposure risk cannot be eliminated and reaffirmed solidarity with frontline responders. Africa CDC-WHO incident manager Wessam Mankoula warned that the outbreak remains uncontrolled, noting gaps in contact-tracing coverage.

MSF staff member tests positive for Ebola disease and is being medically evacuated

• “We cannot confidently say the outbreak is under control at this stage,” — Wessam Mankoula

The Straits Times

The evacuation highlights the high occupational risk for health workers in the DRC’s largest Ebola outbreak. While roughly 79 % of listed contacts were followed on Sept 29, Africa CDC estimates only about 23 % of expected contacts are being reached, underscoring persistent surveillance gaps and the difficulty of containing the virus.

The Straits Times