An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has grown substantially since it was first reported in mid-May, according to data from the World Health Organization. The outbreak has spread across multiple provinces and has also been detected in neighboring Uganda.
As of late May, health authorities have reported more than 1,000 suspected and confirmed cases combined from both countries. The death toll has risen to more than 240, according to WHO figures. Laboratory testing has confirmed approximately 100 cases, with the remainder classified as suspected pending test results.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which differs from the more common Zaire strain. Unlike some previous Ebola outbreaks, there are currently no approved vaccines or specific therapeutics for this strain. Health officials have said that candidate treatments are being evaluated for potential use in clinical trials.
WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on May 17, citing the rapid spread and the challenges facing response teams. The agency has raised its national risk assessment to “very high” while maintaining that regional and global risks remain lower.
Response efforts are concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. Health workers are conducting contact tracing and establishing treatment centers, though officials report challenges including limited access in some areas and community resistance to control measures.
In Uganda, health authorities have confirmed several imported cases with no reported local transmission so far. Border surveillance has been intensified, and neighboring countries have been advised to enhance preparedness measures.
The outbreak originated in Mongbwalu, a mining area in Ituri province, according to epidemiological investigations. Health officials believe the virus may have been spreading undetected for several weeks before the outbreak was officially declared.
WHO and partners have deployed response teams and released emergency funding to support containment efforts. The agency has warned that the outbreak continues to evolve, with new cases reported daily across affected areas.