246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported in latest Ebola outbreak in DRC

The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Friday  confirmed an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Centre in a statement revealed that following consultations with the DRC’s Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute, preliminary laboratory results from the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) have detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples tested. 

” The results suggest a non-Zaire ebolavirus, with sequencing ongoing to further characterise the strain. Results are expected within the next 24 hours with support from Africa CDC.As of the latest update, about 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones”, reads the statement in part. 

Four deaths have been reported among laboratory-confirmed cases. Suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia, pending confirmation.

Experts at the center expressed concern about the risk of further spread due to the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara, intense population movement, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, insecurity in affected areas, gaps in contact listing, infection prevention and control challenges, and the proximity of affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan.

“Africa CDC stands in solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they respond to this outbreak,” said H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC.

“Given the high population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries, rapid regional coordination is essential. We are working with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and partners to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response, and to help contain the outbreak as quickly as possible.”

The latest Ebola outbreak in DRC is the 17th  as the country has in the recent years battled multiple outbreaks with the last one ending on 1 December 2025. In this outbreak, a total of 64 cases were reported including 45 deaths.