The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has passed 5,000, prompting a global health emergency in the country. In the recent emergency meeting, the World Health Organisation (WHO) called on the international community to help in efforts to curb the outbreak, which has claimed the lives of over 2,320 people.&nbsp;This is the seventeenth outbreak in the DRC, which is now also being considered the deadliest, crossing the total deaths during the 2018 to 2020 outbreak, 2,299. The emergency has prompted major concern for several reasons, as there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain of Ebola, known as Bundibugyo.&nbsp;As of now, confirmed Ebola cases and outbreaks have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and via one travel-imported case in France. The outbreak has extended beyond Ituri to five more provinces in the DRC. The outbreak has extended beyond Ituri to five more provinces in DRC: North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo and Bas-Uélé. In addition, cases were reported in Uganda's capital, Kampala.<h3>How did Ebola become the deadliest in DR Congo?</h3>The ongoing outbreak of Ebola stems from Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a rare form of Ebola that was first identified in Uganda in 2007. Unlike the Zaire strain, which has vaccines and certain treatments already available, Bundibugyo currently has no approved vaccines or specific licensed therapies. To curb the spread of the virus, health workers are heavily depending on early detection, supportive care, infection-control practices, and community engagement to limit transmission. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the outbreak originated in Ituri Province and later spread to other areas. The agency has cautioned that armed conflict, displaced population, and delays in spotting new cases have complicated efforts to contain the virus. Officials note that the virus was already spreading before the outbreak was formally declared on May 15. By the time it was identified, transmission had already taken hold within communities, giving infection chains time to grow before response teams could be fully mobilised. WHO reported that the outbreak was initially centred in Ituri's Mongbwalu Health Zone before extending into other provinces, with Congolese authorities acknowledging that delayed case identification helped fuel its spread.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/the-growing-importance-of-electronic-warfare-in-the-drone-age-wion-exclusive-1786966589389">The growing importance of electronic warfare in the drone age: WION Exclusive</a><h3>Cultural and regional issues</h3>The outbreak took root in Ituri, an eastern DRC province long scarred by ethnic conflict. The region holds significant mineral wealth, including gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum, most of which is extracted through small-scale artisanal mining. Control over these lucrative mining zones is fiercely contested by armed factions such as the ADF, CODECO, and the Rwanda-backed M23. Ongoing fighting and movement restrictions imposed by these groups have hampered humanitarian access, disrupted aid delivery, limited civilian mobility, and reduced access to essential services. Efforts to trace contacts of infected individuals are further complicated by large-scale refugee movements, cross-border travel, and mining-related migration. Compounding this, traditional burial customs in the region often unfold over several days and can involve washing and dressing the body, transporting it to ancestral land, and physically touching the deceased during burial rites, practices that put mourners at heightened risk of infection. &nbsp;

In 2026, as of now, confirmed Ebola cases and outbreaks have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and via one travel-imported case in France. The outbreak has extended beyond Ituri to five more provinces in the DRC.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has passed 5,000, prompting a global health emergency in the country. In the recent emergency meeting, the World Health Organisation (WHO) called on the international community to help in efforts to curb the outbreak, which has claimed the lives of over 2,320 people. This is the seventeenth outbreak in the DRC, which is now also being considered the deadliest, crossing the total deaths during the 2018 to 2020 outbreak, 2,299. The emergency has prompted major concern for several reasons, as there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain of Ebola, known as Bundibugyo. As of now, confirmed Ebola cases and outbreaks have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and via one travel-imported case in France. The outbreak has extended beyond Ituri to five more provinces in the DRC. The outbreak has extended beyond Ituri to five more provinces in DRC: North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo and Bas-Uélé. In addition, cases were reported in Uganda's capital, Kampala. How did Ebola become the deadliest in DR Congo? The ongoing outbreak of Ebola stems from Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a rare form of Ebola that was first identified in Uganda in 2007. Unlike the Zaire strain, which has vaccines and certain treatments already available, Bundibugyo currently has no approved vaccines or specific licensed therapies. To curb the spread of the virus, health workers are heavily depending on early detection, supportive care, infection-control practices, and community engagement to limit transmission. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the outbreak originated in Ituri Province and later spread to other areas. The agency has cautioned that armed conflict, displaced population, and delays in spotting new cases have complicated efforts to contain the virus. Officials note that the virus was already spreading before the outbreak was formally declared on May 15. By the time it was identified, transmission had already taken hold within communities, giving infection chains time to grow before response teams could be fully mobilised. WHO reported that the outbreak was initially centred in Ituri's Mongbwalu Health Zone before extending into other provinces, with Congolese authorities acknowledging that delayed case identification helped fuel its spread. Also read: The growing importance of electronic warfare in the drone age: WION Exclusive Cultural and regional issues The outbreak took root in Ituri, an eastern DRC province long scarred by ethnic conflict. The region holds significant mineral wealth, including gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum, most of which is extracted through small-scale artisanal mining. Control over these lucrative mining zones is fiercely contested by armed factions such as the ADF, CODECO, and the Rwanda-backed M23. Ongoing fighting and movement restrictions imposed by these groups have hampered humanitarian access, disrupted aid delivery, limited civilian mobility, and reduced access to essential services. Efforts to trace contacts of infected individuals are further complicated by large-scale refugee movements, cross-border travel, and mining-related migration. Compounding this, traditional burial customs in the region often unfold over several days and can involve washing and dressing the body, transporting it to ancestral land, and physically touching the deceased during burial rites, practices that put mourners at heightened risk of infection.

As of now, confirmed Ebola cases and outbreaks have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and via one travel-imported case in France. The outbreak has extended beyond Ituri to five more provinces in the DRC.

Why DR Congo's Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak became its deadliest? EXPLAINED

A widely circulated video claims widespread misinformation and institutional distrust are severely hampering efforts to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has already claimed 115 lives. False claims ranging from outright denial of the virus to accusations that authorities invented the crisis for financial gain or foreign aid are circulating heavily on social media and in local communities. In a viral video on X denying the virus, a reporter is seen talking to locals as they say, “Ebola comes from Western medicines.” Another person in the video was heard saying, “If you go to the hospital, they give you an injection and that gives you Ebola.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Watch video here:</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">People interviewed in DR Congo don&#39;t believe in the Ebola hoax. They think that the disease is caused by Western Medicine, namely their Injections. <a href="https://t.co/Bj8aKx7fTv">pic.twitter.com/Bj8aKx7fTv</a>&mdash; Jamie Andrews (@JamieAA_Again) <a href="https://x.com/JamieAA_Again/status/2064645437710037349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This misinformation campaign is driving devastating real-world consequences. World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that misinformation spreads as fast as the virus and is nearly as dangerous. According to ActionAid country director Saani Yakubu, quoted by news agency AFP, false beliefs delay treatment as patients seek care too late, and families withhold information, complicating contact tracing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebola-outbreak-spreads-600-cases-confirmed-amid-health-emergency-1781070110403/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebola-outbreak-spreads-600-cases-confirmed-amid-health-emergency-1781070110403/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Furthermore, the situation has escalated into violence against health and aid workers. Mamadou Kaba Barry of the NGO Alima reported that vehicles have been stoned, burial teams targeted, and two hospital tents in Ituri were torched after a family defied safety protocols to reclaim a body. In Bunia, relatives nearly beat burial workers to death under the suspicion that bodies are withheld for organ trafficking. Barry emphasised that these security threats prevent normal care for a disease spread through close contact and bodily fluids.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-warns-of-catastrophic-collision-of-ebola-and-conflict-in-dr-congo-1779878971267">WHO chief warns of ‘catastrophic collision’ of Ebola and conflict in DR Congo</a>&nbsp;Experts note that while misinformation has accompanied previous outbreaks, social media has caused it to surge. Epidemiologist Hemes Nkwa explained that the rumours fill a narrative gap born from deep-rooted distrust of institutions, poverty, political tensions, and insecurity. To combat this, experts stress the necessity of rebuilding community trust. Yakubu suggested training local ambassadors to share accurate information in native languages. Additionally, Nkwa highlighted that involving community leaders, Ebola survivors, and traditional healers who hold strong social credibility, as allies can significantly improve the public health response.

A viral video from the DRC showing locals claiming "injections give you Ebola" highlights a dangerous wave of medical misinformation and deep-seated distrust of Western medicine, threatening global health efforts to contain the escalating outbreak.

A widely circulated video claims widespread misinformation and institutional distrust are severely hampering efforts to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has already claimed 115 lives. False claims ranging from outright denial of the virus to accusations that authorities invented the crisis for financial gain or foreign aid are circulating heavily on social media and in local communities. In a viral video on X denying the virus, a reporter is seen talking to locals as they say, “Ebola comes from Western medicines.” Another person in the video was heard saying, “If you go to the hospital, they give you an injection and that gives you Ebola.” Watch video here:

A viral video from the DRC showing locals claiming "injections give you Ebola" highlights a dangerous wave of medical misinformation and deep-seated distrust of Western medicine, threatening global health efforts to contain the escalating outbreak.

'Injection gives you Ebola': Viral video shows vaccine distrust in DRC amid outbreak

Russia has claimed that its Ebola vaccine may offer protection against Bundibugyo, the rare strain driving the current outbreak in Central Africa. This comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the situation an international public health emergency. The vaccine announcement was made by Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, according to the Russian Embassy in South Africa.<h2>How effective is the vaccine against Ebola's Bundibugyo strain?</h2>In a statement, the embassy said Russian researchers had created a vaccine against Ebola. The embassy added that scientists believe the vaccine "may also protect" against the current strain responsible for the outbreak in Congo. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare and highly dangerous variant, is now driving outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda. According to Alexander Gintsburg, scientific director of the Gamaleya Centre, the Russian Ebola vaccine likely protects against the rare Bundibugyo strain. He noted that the genetic similarity between this virus variant and the vaccine strain is about 60-70 per cent.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebola-in-europe-two-aid-workers-in-italy-show-signs-of-ebola-after-returning-from-uganda-1779801873935">Two aid workers in Italy show signs of Ebola after returning from Uganda</a><h2>WHO declares PHEIC over DRC's Ebola outbreak</h2>On May 17, the WHO officially declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), its highest level of global health alert under the International Health Regulations.Africa CDC has separately labelled the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.<h2>Why the outbreak is alarming</h2>The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has emerged as the centre of the outbreak. According to figures released by Congolese authorities, the disease has already caused 204 deaths and at least 867 suspected cases. Uganda has also confirmed cases, including at least one death.The WHO believes the actual spread may be significantly wider than official figures suggest, warning that the virus may have circulated undetected for some time before authorities identified the outbreak.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-mandates-21-day-ebola-quarantine-for-drc-and-uganda-arrivals-1779796413904">Thailand mandates 21-day Ebola quarantine for DRC and Uganda arrivals</a><h2>What is Ebola?</h2>Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids. The disease can trigger internal bleeding, organ failure and death, with mortality rates often extremely high during outbreaks.What makes the current situation particularly concerning is the Bundibugyo strain itself. Unlike the more widely known Zaire Ebola strain, there are currently no fully approved vaccines or specific treatments specifically designed for Bundibugyo Ebola.

A dangerous new Ebola strain is spreading across Central Africa. Russia now claims its vaccine can potentially protect against it. With the WHO declaring a global health emergency and deaths rising in Congo and Uganda, concerns are growing over the rare Bundibugyo strain.

Russia has claimed that its Ebola vaccine may offer protection against Bundibugyo, the rare strain driving the current outbreak in Central Africa. This comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the situation an international public health emergency. The vaccine announcement was made by Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, according to the Russian Embassy in South Africa. How effective is the vaccine against Ebola's Bundibugyo strain? In a statement, the embassy said Russian researchers had created a vaccine against Ebola. The embassy added that scientists believe the vaccine "may also protect" against the current strain responsible for the outbreak in Congo. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare and highly dangerous variant, is now driving outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda. According to Alexander Gintsburg, scientific director of the Gamaleya Centre, the Russian Ebola vaccine likely protects against the rare Bundibugyo strain. He noted that the genetic similarity between this virus variant and the vaccine strain is about 60-70 per cent. Also read | Two aid workers in Italy show signs of Ebola after returning from Uganda WHO declares PHEIC over DRC's Ebola outbreak On May 17, the WHO officially declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), its highest level of global health alert under the International Health Regulations. Africa CDC has separately labelled the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. Why the outbreak is alarming The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has emerged as the centre of the outbreak. According to figures released by Congolese authorities, the disease has already caused 204 deaths and at least 867 suspected cases. Uganda has also confirmed cases, including at least one death. The WHO believes the actual spread may be significantly wider than official figures suggest, warning that the virus may have circulated undetected for some time before authorities identified the outbreak. Also read | Thailand mandates 21-day Ebola quarantine for DRC and Uganda arrivals What is Ebola? Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids. The disease can trigger internal bleeding, organ failure and death, with mortality rates often extremely high during outbreaks. What makes the current situation particularly concerning is the Bundibugyo strain itself. Unlike the more widely known Zaire Ebola strain, there are currently no fully approved vaccines or specific treatments specifically designed for Bundibugyo Ebola.

A dangerous new Ebola strain is spreading across Central Africa. Russia now claims its vaccine can potentially protect against it. With the WHO declaring a global health emergency and deaths rising in Congo and Uganda, concerns are growing over the rare Bundibugyo strain.

Russia claims its Ebola vaccine may protect against Bundibugyo strain that has killed 204 in DRC? All you need to know

Thailand Imposes 21-Day Ebola Quarantine for Travellers from DRC, UgandaThailand has imposed a mandatory 21-day quarantine on all travellers arriving from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Uganda, amid a surging Ebola outbreak in both countries. The eastern DRC remains the epicentre of the crisis. Since Kinshasa declared an outbreak on May 15, the DRC's health ministry has recorded 867 suspected cases and 204 deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has separately logged 10 confirmed Ebola deaths and 220 suspected deaths in the country, along with roughly 900 suspected cases. The UN agency has warned that the true scale of the outbreak is likely far wider, as experts believe the virus had been spreading undetected for some time before it was officially declared.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebola-outbreak-around-220-suspected-deaths-linked-to-ebola-epidemic-in-dr-congo-1779762647331/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebola-outbreak-around-220-suspected-deaths-linked-to-ebola-epidemic-in-dr-congo-1779762647331/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The crisis has also crossed into neighbouring Uganda, where one person has died and six more have been confirmed infected. In response, Thailand's public health ministry announced on Tuesday that travellers from or transiting through either country, regardless of whether they are showing symptoms, must undergo a minimum 21-day quarantine. Those displaying symptoms of Ebola infection will be required to isolate at a designated state hospital, while asymptomatic travellers will be directed to a separate, unspecified quarantine facility.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-declares-global-health-emergency-over-rapidly-spreading-ebola-outbreak-in-drc-1779193683844">WHO declares global health emergency over rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in DRC</a>&nbsp;Senior public health ministry official Somlerk Jeungsmarn noted that Thailand has not yet reported any Ebola-affected travellers. However, he said the quarantine measures were necessary given the risks posed by global population movement. Ebola is a deadly viral disease transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids. It can trigger severe internal bleeding and organ failure, and has historically carried high fatality rates in affected regions.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-criticises-who-as-a-little-late-identifying-deadly-congo-ebola-outbreak-1779210878638">Rubio criticises WHO as 'a little late' identifying deadly Congo Ebola outbreak</a>&nbsp;The WHO has already declared the DRC outbreak an international health alert, reflecting growing concern about the potential for the virus to spread beyond Central Africa. Thailand's swift quarantine measures signal heightened vigilance among governments worldwide as health authorities work to contain the outbreak before it gains further ground.

Thailand introduces a mandatory 21-day quarantine at Suvarnabhumi Airport for travellers from DRC and Uganda following a surging Ebola outbreak, state officials confirm. 

Thailand Imposes 21-Day Ebola Quarantine for Travellers from DRC, Uganda Thailand has imposed a mandatory 21-day quarantine on all travellers arriving from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Uganda, amid a surging Ebola outbreak in both countries. The eastern DRC remains the epicentre of the crisis. Since Kinshasa declared an outbreak on May 15, the DRC's health ministry has recorded 867 suspected cases and 204 deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has separately logged 10 confirmed Ebola deaths and 220 suspected deaths in the country, along with roughly 900 suspected cases. The UN agency has warned that the true scale of the outbreak is likely far wider, as experts believe the virus had been spreading undetected for some time before it was officially declared. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebola-outbreak-around-220-suspected-deaths-linked-to-ebola-epidemic-in-dr-congo-1779762647331/embed The crisis has also crossed into neighbouring Uganda, where one person has died and six more have been confirmed infected. In response, Thailand's public health ministry announced on Tuesday that travellers from or transiting through either country, regardless of whether they are showing symptoms, must undergo a minimum 21-day quarantine. Those displaying symptoms of Ebola infection will be required to isolate at a designated state hospital, while asymptomatic travellers will be directed to a separate, unspecified quarantine facility. Also read: WHO declares global health emergency over rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in DRC Senior public health ministry official Somlerk Jeungsmarn noted that Thailand has not yet reported any Ebola-affected travellers. However, he said the quarantine measures were necessary given the risks posed by global population movement. Ebola is a deadly viral disease transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids. It can trigger severe internal bleeding and organ failure, and has historically carried high fatality rates in affected regions. Also read: Rubio criticises WHO as 'a little late' identifying deadly Congo Ebola outbreak The WHO has already declared the DRC outbreak an international health alert, reflecting growing concern about the potential for the virus to spread beyond Central Africa. Thailand's swift quarantine measures signal heightened vigilance among governments worldwide as health authorities work to contain the outbreak before it gains further ground.

Thailand introduces a mandatory 21-day quarantine at Suvarnabhumi Airport for travellers from DRC and Uganda following a surging Ebola outbreak, state officials confirm.&nbsp;

Thailand mandates 21-day Ebola quarantine for DRC and Uganda arrivals

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worsening amid ongoing violence and repeated attacks on health facilities, further weakening an already fragile healthcare system and forcing patients to abandon treatment.&nbsp;In the northeastern province of Ituri, where the first cases were reported, at least three attacks have been recorded on health centres. Two of these took place over the weekend at the same hospital, allowing more than two dozen patients to flee mid-treatment.&nbsp;The incidents, some linked to disputes over the handling of bodies of suspected Ebola victims, have revived memories of the 2018–2020 outbreak in eastern Congo, which killed more than 25 health workers amid widespread insecurity.&nbsp;Dr Richard Lokodu, medical director of the Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital, which was targeted over the weekend, said public mistrust is worsening the situation. He said, “There is a denial of the disease within the population, with some members wanting to claim the bodies of suspected and/or confirmed cases.”&nbsp;“We have one confirmed case of Ebola that continues to circulate in the community and evade the response,” Lokodu said.&nbsp;On Sunday, the same hospital came under four waves of attacks by groups of young people, reportedly mobilised by relatives of a Christian religious leader who died of Ebola. Seven additional patients escaped during the chaos, while security forces were deployed to restore order. One critically ill suspected Ebola patient reportedly died while trying to flee.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epidemic-is-outpacing-us-who-chief-says-countries-neighbouring-dr-congo-at-high-risk-from-ebola-1779726210566">'Epidemic is outpacing us': WHO chief says countries neighbouring DR Congo at 'high risk' from Ebola</a><h2>Violence flares up in eastern Congo</h2>At the same time, armed conflict continues between government forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 militia in eastern DRC, where Ebola cases are also rising. Security sources and local residents said fighting has intensified over recent days.&nbsp;The mineral-rich east has faced instability for decades due to multiple armed groups. Since 2021, M23 has expanded its control, with clashes escalating further since early 2025.&nbsp;Health authorities say the outbreak has triggered an international alert from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The DRC health ministry has reported 204 deaths and 867 suspected cases so far. Of recent samples tested, three were negative and one was confirmed positive.<h2>WHO warns of regional spread</h2>WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that neighbouring countries face a serious threat as the outbreak spreads faster than containment efforts.&nbsp;“Countries bordering DRC are at especially high risk and should take immediate action,” Tedros said, adding that he will travel to the DRC on Tuesday as the situation worsens.&nbsp;Health experts say Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe bleeding, organ failure, and death in serious cases. Tedros also warned that response efforts are being slowed by insecurity and delayed detection.&nbsp;He further said there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the outbreak.&nbsp;According to WHO figures, at least 10 confirmed deaths and 220 suspected deaths have been recorded since mid-May, with nearly 900 suspected infections reported since the outbreak was declared on May 15.

Escalating violence and attacks on health facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have heightened fears over the spread of the Ebola virus, as the WHO warned that neighbouring countries face a serious threat and that the epidemic is spreading faster than containment efforts.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worsening amid ongoing violence and repeated attacks on health facilities, further weakening an already fragile healthcare system and forcing patients to abandon treatment. In the northeastern province of Ituri, where the first cases were reported, at least three attacks have been recorded on health centres. Two of these took place over the weekend at the same hospital, allowing more than two dozen patients to flee mid-treatment. The incidents, some linked to disputes over the handling of bodies of suspected Ebola victims, have revived memories of the 2018–2020 outbreak in eastern Congo, which killed more than 25 health workers amid widespread insecurity. Dr Richard Lokodu, medical director of the Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital, which was targeted over the weekend, said public mistrust is worsening the situation. He said, “There is a denial of the disease within the population, with some members wanting to claim the bodies of suspected and/or confirmed cases.” “We have one confirmed case of Ebola that continues to circulate in the community and evade the response,” Lokodu said. On Sunday, the same hospital came under four waves of attacks by groups of young people, reportedly mobilised by relatives of a Christian religious leader who died of Ebola. Seven additional patients escaped during the chaos, while security forces were deployed to restore order. One critically ill suspected Ebola patient reportedly died while trying to flee. Also Read: 'Epidemic is outpacing us': WHO chief says countries neighbouring DR Congo at 'high risk' from Ebola Violence flares up in eastern Congo At the same time, armed conflict continues between government forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 militia in eastern DRC, where Ebola cases are also rising. Security sources and local residents said fighting has intensified over recent days. The mineral-rich east has faced instability for decades due to multiple armed groups. Since 2021, M23 has expanded its control, with clashes escalating further since early 2025. Health authorities say the outbreak has triggered an international alert from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The DRC health ministry has reported 204 deaths and 867 suspected cases so far. Of recent samples tested, three were negative and one was confirmed positive. WHO warns of regional spread WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that neighbouring countries face a serious threat as the outbreak spreads faster than containment efforts. “Countries bordering DRC are at especially high risk and should take immediate action,” Tedros said, adding that he will travel to the DRC on Tuesday as the situation worsens. Health experts say Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe bleeding, organ failure, and death in serious cases. Tedros also warned that response efforts are being slowed by insecurity and delayed detection. He further said there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the outbreak. According to WHO figures, at least 10 confirmed deaths and 220 suspected deaths have been recorded since mid-May, with nearly 900 suspected infections reported since the outbreak was declared on May 15.

Escalating violence and attacks on health facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have heightened fears over the spread of the Ebola virus, as the WHO warned that neighbouring countries face a serious threat and that the epidemic is spreading faster than containment efforts.

Ebola patients flee treatment as hospitals come under attack amid rising violence in DR Congo

Countries surrounding the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) face a serious threat from the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak and must take urgent preventive measures, World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday.&nbsp;Addressing a virtual ministerial meeting on the outbreak, Tedros warned that the virus was spreading faster than containment efforts and said he would travel to the DRC on Tuesday as the country remained the centre of the crisis.&nbsp;“Countries bordering DRC are at especially high risk and should take immediate action,” Tedros said.&nbsp;Health officials said the disease, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, can trigger severe bleeding, organ failure and death in serious cases.&nbsp;Tedros described the situation as particularly difficult due to delays in detecting the outbreak and worsening security conditions in eastern Congo.&nbsp;“First, the delay in detecting the outbreak means that we are now playing catch-up with a very fast-moving epidemic. We are urgently scaling up operations, but at the moment, the epidemic is outpacing us,” he said.&nbsp;“Secondly, the eastern provinces of the DRC, where the outbreak was first detected in mid-May, are highly insecure, with intensified fighting in recent months, and there is also significant distrust of outside authorities among the local population,” Tedros added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-threatens-new-attacks-on-kyiv-urges-diplomats-and-foreigners-to-evacuate-1779724835582">Russia threatens new attacks on Kyiv, urges diplomats and foreigners to evacuate</a><h2>WHO says no approved vaccine exists for current Ebola strain</h2>The WHO chief further warned that there were currently no approved vaccines or treatments available for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola responsible for the latest outbreak.&nbsp;According to WHO figures, at least 10 confirmed deaths and 220 suspected deaths have been recorded in the DRC since mid-May. Authorities have also identified nearly 900 suspected infections since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15.&nbsp;The United Nations health agency said the actual spread of the virus could be significantly wider, with experts suspecting the outbreak may have circulated undetected for some time.&nbsp;Neighbouring Uganda has already reported one confirmed Ebola death and six confirmed infections, including two new cases announced on Monday.&nbsp;The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also warned that 10 additional African countries, including Angola, Rwanda and Tanzania, remain at risk from the outbreak.&nbsp;Tedros said WHO was deploying financial aid, medical supplies and health workers to support Congolese authorities while accelerating clinical trials for potential treatments.“It will get worse before it gets better,” he said. “But we know this virus, and we know how to stop it.”

According to the WHO, since the Ebola outbreak was declared in the DRC on May 15, at least 10 confirmed deaths, 220 suspected fatalities and nearly 900 suspected infections have been reported.

Countries surrounding the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) face a serious threat from the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak and must take urgent preventive measures, World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday. Addressing a virtual ministerial meeting on the outbreak, Tedros warned that the virus was spreading faster than containment efforts and said he would travel to the DRC on Tuesday as the country remained the centre of the crisis. “Countries bordering DRC are at especially high risk and should take immediate action,” Tedros said. Health officials said the disease, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, can trigger severe bleeding, organ failure and death in serious cases. Tedros described the situation as particularly difficult due to delays in detecting the outbreak and worsening security conditions in eastern Congo. “First, the delay in detecting the outbreak means that we are now playing catch-up with a very fast-moving epidemic. We are urgently scaling up operations, but at the moment, the epidemic is outpacing us,” he said. “Secondly, the eastern provinces of the DRC, where the outbreak was first detected in mid-May, are highly insecure, with intensified fighting in recent months, and there is also significant distrust of outside authorities among the local population,” Tedros added. Also Read: Russia threatens new attacks on Kyiv, urges diplomats and foreigners to evacuate WHO says no approved vaccine exists for current Ebola strain The WHO chief further warned that there were currently no approved vaccines or treatments available for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola responsible for the latest outbreak. According to WHO figures, at least 10 confirmed deaths and 220 suspected deaths have been recorded in the DRC since mid-May. Authorities have also identified nearly 900 suspected infections since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15. The United Nations health agency said the actual spread of the virus could be significantly wider, with experts suspecting the outbreak may have circulated undetected for some time. Neighbouring Uganda has already reported one confirmed Ebola death and six confirmed infections, including two new cases announced on Monday. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also warned that 10 additional African countries, including Angola, Rwanda and Tanzania, remain at risk from the outbreak. Tedros said WHO was deploying financial aid, medical supplies and health workers to support Congolese authorities while accelerating clinical trials for potential treatments. “It will get worse before it gets better,” he said. “But we know this virus, and we know how to stop it.”

According to the WHO, since the Ebola outbreak was declared in the DRC on May 15, at least 10 confirmed deaths, 220 suspected fatalities and nearly 900 suspected infections have been reported.

'Epidemic is outpacing us': WHO chief says countries neighbouring DR Congo at 'high risk' from Ebola

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a surge of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) an international health emergency, voicing deep concern over the outbreak's "scale and speed." The outbreak, responsible for an estimated 131 deaths and roughly 513 suspected cases, involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine or treatment currently exists. The epidemic's epicentre is in the northeastern Ituri province, a gold-mining hub bordering Uganda and South Sudan, plagued by local militia clashes. The virus has spread to neighbouring provinces, including suspected cases in the commercial hub of Butembo and a recorded case in Goma, which is controlled by the M23 armed group, and crossed borders into Uganda, where two confirmed cases, including one death, were reported in Kampala.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebola-outbreak-in-drc-ebola-confirmed-in-dr-congo-s-m23-rebel-held-goma-city-1779032740006/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebola-outbreak-in-drc-ebola-confirmed-in-dr-congo-s-m23-rebel-held-goma-city-1779032740006/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba stated that community figures include deaths not necessarily linked to Ebola, noting that slow community alerts occurred because people initially thought it was a mystical illness. Only 30 cases have been laboratory-confirmed in Ituri due to difficult-to-access conflict zones. ICRC’s Francois Moreillon warned that humanitarian access and coordination between conflict parties present significant challenges.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-confined-right-now-to-africa-says-trump-on-ebola-outbreak-as-us-tightens-travel-rules-and-steps-up-screening-at-airports-1779145250920">'Confined right now to Africa', says Trump on Ebola outbreak as US tightens travel rules and steps up screening at airports</a>&nbsp;WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the UN is examining candidate vaccines. WHO representative Anne Ancia noted that the vaccine candidate Ervebo is being reviewed but will take at least two months to become available, warning the outbreak could be lengthy. President Felix Tshisekedi has urged calm and requested a stepped-up government response.&nbsp;The Africa CDC and the International Federation of Red Cross have activated their highest emergency levels. Internationally, Germany is preparing to treat an infected American doctor from the Christian NGO Serge, while the United States announced passenger screening from affected areas and temporarily suspended visa services. This is the DRC's 17th Ebola outbreak.

The WHO has declared a global health emergency over a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in the DRC that has killed 131 people. No vaccine exists for this rare strain.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a surge of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) an international health emergency, voicing deep concern over the outbreak's "scale and speed." The outbreak, responsible for an estimated 131 deaths and roughly 513 suspected cases, involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine or treatment currently exists. The epidemic's epicentre is in the northeastern Ituri province, a gold-mining hub bordering Uganda and South Sudan, plagued by local militia clashes. The virus has spread to neighbouring provinces, including suspected cases in the commercial hub of Butembo and a recorded case in Goma, which is controlled by the M23 armed group, and crossed borders into Uganda, where two confirmed cases, including one death, were reported in Kampala. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebola-outbreak-in-drc-ebola-confirmed-in-dr-congo-s-m23-rebel-held-goma-city-1779032740006/embed Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba stated that community figures include deaths not necessarily linked to Ebola, noting that slow community alerts occurred because people initially thought it was a mystical illness. Only 30 cases have been laboratory-confirmed in Ituri due to difficult-to-access conflict zones. ICRC’s Francois Moreillon warned that humanitarian access and coordination between conflict parties present significant challenges. Also read: 'Confined right now to Africa', says Trump on Ebola outbreak as US tightens travel rules and steps up screening at airports WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the UN is examining candidate vaccines. WHO representative Anne Ancia noted that the vaccine candidate Ervebo is being reviewed but will take at least two months to become available, warning the outbreak could be lengthy. President Felix Tshisekedi has urged calm and requested a stepped-up government response. The Africa CDC and the International Federation of Red Cross have activated their highest emergency levels. Internationally, Germany is preparing to treat an infected American doctor from the Christian NGO Serge, while the United States announced passenger screening from affected areas and temporarily suspended visa services. This is the DRC's 17th Ebola outbreak.

The WHO has declared a global health emergency over a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in the DRC that has killed 131 people.No vaccine exists for this rare strain.

WHO declares global health emergency over rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in DRC

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WHO declares global health emergency over Ebola outbreak in DRC