The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched an urgent regional response following the confirmation of an Ebola virus disease outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a confirmed imported case in Uganda.
In a statement released on May 15, the Africa CDC revealed that preliminary laboratory tests conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa detected the Ebola virus in 13 out of 20 samples collected from the Ituri Province. While genetic sequencing is still ongoing to determine the exact species, initial findings suggest the outbreak may involve a non-Zaire strain of the virus.
The human toll is already becoming evident. As of the latest reports, the Africa CDC has recorded approximately 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, concentrated primarily in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Meanwhile, the DR Congo health ministry estimated the death toll at 80 on Friday evening, citing suspected community deaths that are currently undergoing official validation. Four deaths have been formally confirmed among laboratory-positive cases, and suspected cases in Bunia are awaiting confirmation.
The virus has already crossed borders. Ugandan health authorities confirmed an imported case involving a 59-year-old Congolese man who was admitted to Kibuli Muslim Hospital in Kampala on May 11 and passed away on May 14. Laboratory tests confirmed this as the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. While Ugandan authorities stated that no local transmission has been confirmed, they have intensified screening and surveillance along the western border to prevent further spread.
The Africa CDC warned that the situation is complicated by several regional risk factors, including high population movement, mobility related to mining activities, and general insecurity in the affected areas, combined with the proximity of the outbreak zones to South Sudan and Uganda.
"The situation requires speed, scientific rigour and regional solidarity," stated Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. "We are working with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and partners to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response, and to help contain transmission as quickly as possible."
An emergency meeting between health authorities from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan focused on critical interventions, including laboratory support, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, safe burials, and public awareness campaigns. Uganda has already activated emergency response measures at both official and informal border crossings.
This current crisis marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976. The region had only recently emerged from its previous outbreak, which ended in December 2025 after recording 64 cases and 45 deaths.
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Africa CDC convenes urgent meeting after DR Congo, Uganda Ebola cases
cgtn.com
