Ebola outbreak confirmed in eastern DR Congo as Africa CDC raises regional alert

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Ituri Province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompting urgent regional coordination efforts involving neighboring countries, including South Sudan.

In a statement issued on Friday, Africa CDC said preliminary laboratory tests conducted by the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa detected the Ebola virus in 13 out of 20 samples tested.

Health authorities have reported around 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Four deaths were recorded among laboratory-confirmed cases.

Suspected cases have also been identified in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, although confirmation is still pending.

Africa CDC said it is closely monitoring the situation and has convened an urgent high-level coordination meeting involving officials from the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and international partners to strengthen cross-border surveillance, preparedness, and outbreak response measures.

The agency warned that increased population movement across borders and within mining areas in Ituri could heighten the risk of regional spread if containment efforts are not rapidly reinforced.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

Authorities in the DRC have previously managed multiple Ebola outbreaks, with support from regional and international health partners.