Ambulances are parked outside a hospital in Bunia, Congo, Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Constant Same Bagalwa/AP
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Constant Same Bagalwa/AP
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a public health emergency of international concern. This announcement was made on Sunday, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
However, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that this situation “does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency” and urged countries not to close their borders.
The outbreak was initially reported in the Ituri province of the DRC, with hundreds of suspected cases already noted, including one that reached Uganda. Notably, this latest strain of Ebola currently lacks a vaccine, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ebola can spread through blood, bodily fluids, and contaminated surfaces. According to the WHO, symptoms include fever, body aches, weakness, vomiting, and in some cases, bleeding.
Health officials believe that the outbreak began in late April, with Dr. Jean Kaseya from Africa CDC reporting 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths as of Saturday.
The majority of cases have been identified in two mining towns, Mongwalu and Rwampara, frequented by many workers. Dr. Kaseya described the area’s vulnerability and fragility, stressing the urgency of the situation.
On May 14, a 59-year-old man from Congo succumbed to the virus in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Dr. Kaseya elaborated on the man’s contacts before his death, underscoring the need for protective measures.
“Someone came from DRC, landed in Uganda, went to the hospital,” he explained. “He was sick in this community and was surrounded by many people. He then took public transport to Uganda.” After his death, his body was transported back across the border to the DRC for burial.
Due to the virus’s high transmissibility, experts advise that healthcare workers treating Ebola patients wear appropriate protective gear, including head coverings, goggles, masks, gloves, gowns, and rubber boots.
Dr. Kaseya indicated uncertainty regarding the protective measures utilized by individuals who had contact with the deceased man. “We don’t have manufacturing for PPE,” he mentioned, adding that funds are needed to resolve the problem.
The current transmission speed of the virus remains uncertain. While there have been two previous outbreaks of this particular Bundibugyo strain, it is less common than the Zaire strain, leading to a limited understanding and no available vaccine.
Nevertheless, researchers are exploring a candidate for an experimental vaccine that is still under evaluation. Dr. Kaseya noted it has only been tested on monkeys, demonstrating about a 50% efficacy rate, but its effects on humans are yet to be determined.
In a statement posted on its website, the African CDC mentioned its collaboration with various health organizations, nonprofits, and pharmaceutical companies to enhance cross-border surveillance and outbreak response efforts.
Dr. Craig Spencer, a professor at the Brown University of Public Health who previously contracted the Zaire strain in 2014, expressed on social media that the outbreak has already reached significant proportions, despite being recently recognized. He remarked, “This means we’re just learning about this outbreak long after it has been spreading, complicating efforts to trace contacts and identify cases.”
The largest Ebola outbreak in history occurred between 2014 and 2016, infecting 28,600 individuals and resulting in 11,325 deaths, as reported by the World Health Organization. This outbreak originated in Guinea and spread to several other countries, including Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Key Takeaways
- The WHO has declared a new Ebola outbreak in the DRC a public health emergency.
- Current suspected cases number over 336, with 87 reported deaths.
- The outbreak began in Ituri province, affecting mining towns.
- No vaccine is available for the latest strain of Ebola.
- Protective gear is crucial for healthcare workers to prevent transmission.
- Efforts are underway to improve surveillance and response alongside health organizations.
- The path of the outbreak remains challenging due to limited awareness and response.
FAQ
What is the current situation of the Ebola outbreak in Congo?
The outbreak has led to over 336 suspected cases and 87 fatalities, prompting the WHO to declare a public health emergency.
Is there a vaccine available for the current Ebola strain?
No vaccine is currently available for the latest strain of Ebola reported in this outbreak.
How is Ebola transmitted?
Ebola spreads through blood and bodily fluids, as well as contaminated surfaces, and exhibits symptoms such as fever and vomiting.
What protective measures are recommended for healthcare workers?
Healthcare workers are advised to wear head coverings, goggles, masks, gloves, gowns, and rubber boots while treating Ebola patients.
What actions are being taken to control the outbreak?
Health authorities are collaborating with various organizations to enhance surveillance and outbreak response efforts across borders.
