Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have sounded the alarm as the death toll from the latest Ebola outbreak rises to 131 from more than 500 suspected infections. The fast-spreading outbreak has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to convene an emergency committee to discuss urgent response measures and how to stop the virus from spreading further.
The outbreak has mainly affected eastern parts of the DR Congo, especially Ituri province, where health workers continue tracing contacts and setting up treatment centres, according to international health agencies. Authorities have documented more than 513 suspected cases, while laboratory tests have confirmed dozens of infections.
The WHO recently declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after it spilt over the border from Congo into neighbouring Uganda. Health experts fear that cross-border movement, weak health systems, and ongoing violence in eastern Congo could make things worse.
After having consulted the #DRC and #Uganda where the #Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus is known to be currently occurring, I determine that the epidemic constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), as defined in the provisions of IHR.
My full… pic.twitter.com/zhYVEyxSI8
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 17, 2026
Scientists identified the outbreak as the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a dangerous variant first discovered in Uganda in 2007. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, the Bundibugyo variant currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, making containment efforts more difficult. Researchers and WHO experts are now exploring whether existing Ebola vaccines could offer temporary protection.
READ ALSO: Arsenal Close In on Premier League Title After Narrow Burnley Victory
Health officials say delayed testing, misinformation, and traditional burial practices contributed to the rapid spread of the virus in some communities. The outbreak also exposed shortages of protective equipment and medical supplies in affected regions.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids and can cause fever, vomiting, bleeding, and severe weakness. Authorities continue urging residents to avoid physical contact with suspected patients and report symptoms early as efforts intensify to contain the deadly outbreak.