Africa’s leading public health agency has announced an Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to the Africa CDC, 246 suspected cases have been recorded, with 65 deaths reported, mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara areas. Both towns are known for their gold-mining activities, which form the backbone of the local economy.
Laboratory tests carried out in Kinshasa confirmed the Ebola virus in 13 of 20 human samples examined, while additional testing is still underway in Bunia. So far, four deaths have been officially confirmed as Ebola-related.
In response to the growing health crisis, the Africa CDC has held an emergency meeting involving officials from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, alongside international partners, to strengthen cross-border surveillance and discuss measures to contain the outbreak.
The new outbreak comes only months after another Ebola epidemic in Kasai Province was declared over on December 1, 2025. That outbreak infected 64 people and claimed 45 lives.
The Congolese government has not yet officially declared the outbreak, although a government official told the BBC that a press conference is expected soon.
Since 2021, Ituri Province has remained under military administration after the civilian government was replaced by army leadership in an effort to combat armed groups operating in the region, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
