By Drealomalicha Emmanuella
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that at least 65 people have died following a fresh outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to the continental health agency, no fewer than 246 suspected cases have also been recorded, raising fears of a wider regional health emergency if urgent containment measures fail.
Ebola is a highly infectious and often fatal viral disease transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated materials, or the bodies of deceased victims.
In a statement released on Friday, Africa CDC disclosed that preliminary laboratory investigations carried out by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale detected the Ebola virus in 13 of the 20 samples tested.
Health experts said the findings suggest the outbreak may involve a non-Zaire strain of the virus, although further genomic sequencing is currently underway to determine the exact variant responsible for the infections.
“The results are expected within the next 24 hours with support from Africa CDC,” the agency stated.
The outbreak has largely affected the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, where the majority of the suspected infections and deaths have been reported. Authorities also confirmed that four deaths occurred among laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases.
Additional suspected infections have emerged in Bunia, with investigations ongoing to verify the cases.
Africa CDC warned that several factors could accelerate the spread of the disease, including high population movement, mining activities in Mongwalu, insecurity in affected communities, and weak infection prevention systems.
The agency also expressed concern over the proximity of the outbreak areas to neighbouring Uganda and South Sudan, warning that cross-border transmission remains a serious risk.
In response, Africa CDC convened an emergency high-level coordination meeting involving health authorities from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, alongside international partners such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The meeting focused on strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory support, infection prevention, risk communication, safe burial procedures, and emergency resource mobilisation across the region.
“Africa CDC stands in solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they respond to this outbreak,” said Jean Kaseya.
“Given the high population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries, rapid regional coordination is essential.”
The agency added that it is preparing additional emergency support in key areas including digital disease surveillance, laboratory management, emergency coordination, and community engagement efforts aimed at slowing transmission.
Residents in affected and high-risk communities have been urged to report symptoms immediately, avoid physical contact with suspected patients, and cooperate fully with health officials working to contain the outbreak.
DR Congo has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks over the years due to its vast tropical forests and fragile healthcare infrastructure. In 2025, an earlier outbreak claimed at least 15 lives before health authorities eventually declared it contained.
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