RismadarVoice Reporters
May 15, 2026
Health officials have raised serious fresh concerns following an outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with fears growing over a possible regional spread of the disease.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention disclosed that at least 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been recorded in Ituri province in the northeastern part of the country.
Neighbouring Uganda also confirmed an Ebola-related death after a Congolese national reportedly died in Kampala shortly after travelling from the DRC, although authorities say no locally transmitted case has been confirmed.
Health experts warned that the outbreak could spread rapidly due to heavy cross-border movement, insecurity in affected communities, and challenges in containing the virus in conflict-prone areas.
Preliminary laboratory tests reportedly confirmed the Ebola virus in several samples collected from suspected cases, while additional investigations continue in affected locations.
The Africa CDC said it has convened an emergency meeting involving health authorities from the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and international partners to strengthen surveillance and response measures across borders.
Ebola, first identified in 1976, is a highly contagious virus spread through direct contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe bleeding, organ failure, and death.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks over the years, including one between 2018 and 2020 that claimed nearly 2,300 lives.
