How worrying is the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo?

An outbreak in DR Congo has been declared a health emergency, with almost 250 suspected cases reported.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern” after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths were reported. In a social media post on Sunday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency but that neighbouring countries are at high risk of further spread.

As of May 16, 2026, a new Ebola outbreak in Congo's eastern Ituri province has led to at least 87 confirmed deaths, with 336 suspected cases and 13 confirmed. The African CDC warned of “active community transmission,” particularly in the mining region of Mongwalu where the outbreak likely began. The virus has spread to Rwampara and the provincial capital, Bunia, complicating health efforts due to conflict and insecurity from militant groups. The Bundibugyo strain, a less commonly seen variant, has been identified as the cause. The suspected index case is a nurse who died in Bunia in late April.