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Congo's Ebola outbreak rises to 100 deaths out of 550 cases as conflict slows response

Congo's Ebola outbreak rises to 100 deaths out of 550 cases as conflict slows response

At least 100 people have died from Ebola less than a month after authorities declared an outbreak of the disease in eastern Congo
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WHO Declares Global Health Emergency as Ebola Cases Surpass 500 in DRC

WHO Declares Global Health Emergency as Ebola Cases Surpass 500 in DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing a significant Ebola outbreak, with confirmed cases reaching 515 and resulting in 91 deaths. The outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, a rare variant for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. This situation has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak has spread beyond the DRC into neighboring Uganda, raising concerns about regional transmission. Despite intensified containment efforts, including contact tracing and testing, the virus continues to spread, particularly in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, areas already challenged by conflict and weak healthcare infrastructure.
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WHO Reports Rapid Increase in Ebola Cases in DRC and Uganda, Raising Concerns

WHO Reports Rapid Increase in Ebola Cases in DRC and Uganda, Raising Concerns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant increase in Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda since late May. As of June 6, 2026, the DRC has confirmed 515 cases and 91 deaths, with 390 new cases reported since May 29. The outbreak is primarily concentrated in the Ituri province, but cases have been identified across 25 health zones, some hundreds of miles from the epicenter. Uganda has also seen a rise in cases, with 19 confirmed as of June 6, marking an increase of 10 cases since the last update. The WHO attributes the rise in confirmed cases to improved testing and diagnosis capabilities. The organization assesses the risk of transmission as 'very high' in the DRC and 'high' in neighboring countries, though the risk to the rest of Africa and the world remains 'low'.
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WHO Reports Rapid Increase in Ebola Cases in DRC and Uganda

WHO Reports Rapid Increase in Ebola Cases in DRC and Uganda

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a rapid increase in Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda since late May. An additional 390 confirmed cases and 74 deaths have been recorded, bringing the total to 515 cases and 91 deaths in the DRC. The outbreak is concentrated in the Ituri province but has spread across 25 health zones. Improved testing and diagnosis have contributed to the rise in reported cases. The WHO assesses the risk of transmission as very high in the DRC and high in neighboring countries.
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Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak in Congo and Uganda Escalates, Prompting International Response

Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak in Congo and Uganda Escalates, Prompting International Response

The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is rapidly evolving, with a significant increase in confirmed cases and deaths. As of June 6, 2026, there are 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths. The outbreak has spread across borders, with evidence of both imported infections and secondary transmission among contacts and healthcare workers in Uganda. In response, national authorities, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, have launched a comprehensive response plan. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and WHO have initiated a joint Ebola continental preparedness and response plan, seeking $518 million to support African countries in preparing for, detecting, and responding to the outbreak.
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Ebola Outbreak in Congo Intensifies Due to Illegal Gold Mining

Ebola Outbreak in Congo Intensifies Due to Illegal Gold Mining

A severe Ebola outbreak has emerged in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, driven by unregulated gold mining activities. The epidemic, which began in May 2026, is caused by the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments. The outbreak is centered in the mining zones of Ituri Province, where deforestation and increased human-wildlife contact, particularly with fruit bats, are accelerating virus transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as the virus spreads to neighboring Uganda. The outbreak has already infected hundreds and claimed numerous lives, with the true number of cases likely higher due to miners' fear of authorities and lack of healthcare access.
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CDC Warns of Potentially Severe Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa, Urges Global Action

CDC Warns of Potentially Severe Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa, Urges Global Action

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, which has been declared an international health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 2026. The CDC's analysis suggests that the outbreak could result in up to 20,000 cases and 4,000 deaths within the next three months if not adequately contained. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda are currently at the forefront of efforts to control the spread of the virus. The CDC emphasizes the need for large-scale public health interventions similar to those used during the 2014 West Africa outbreak to prevent a worst-case scenario. The outbreak is occurring in regions with armed conflict and limited healthcare access, complicating containment efforts.
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Uganda Closes Congo Border Amid Ebola Fears, Impacting Trade

Uganda Closes Congo Border Amid Ebola Fears, Impacting Trade

Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo in response to an Ebola outbreak in the eastern Ituri province of Congo. This decision, aimed at preventing cross-border contagion, has led to significant disruptions for traders who rely on the Mpondwe border post for commerce. The closure has resulted in long queues of trucks carrying perishable goods, such as plantains and fish, which are at risk of spoiling. Traders express frustration over the slow movement of cargo, despite understanding the health precautions. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, though it discourages border closures. The Ebola outbreak in Congo has seen over 1,000 suspected cases, with confirmed cases and deaths continuing to rise.
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CDC Warns Current Ebola Outbreak Could Rival Worst on Record Without Immediate Action

CDC Warns Current Ebola Outbreak Could Rival Worst on Record Without Immediate Action

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning that the current Ebola outbreak in Africa could become one of the largest on record if immediate measures are not taken. The outbreak, primarily affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, has been declared an international health emergency by the World Health Organization. CDC projections suggest that without significant intervention, the outbreak could result in over 20,000 cases within the next three months. The CDC emphasizes the need for large-scale public health interventions, similar to those used during the 2014 West Africa outbreak, to prevent a worst-case scenario.
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Ebola Outbreak in Congo Escalates Due to Illegal Gold Trade, Spreads to Uganda

Ebola Outbreak in Congo Escalates Due to Illegal Gold Trade, Spreads to Uganda

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a severe Ebola outbreak, exacerbated by the illegal gold trade in the region. The outbreak, which began in early May 2026, is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak has spread to neighboring Uganda, including its capital, Kampala. The illegal gold mining industry in Ituri Province is a significant factor in the virus's spread, as miners come into contact with wildlife that carries the virus. The situation is further complicated by armed conflict and public distrust, which hinder medical aid efforts.
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Health workers at the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak labor with little pay or rest

Health workers at the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak labor with little pay or rest

Health workers inside Mongbwalu, the epicenter of Congo's outbreak, say they are working with little pay or rest