DRC–Congo — At least 80 people are reported to have died following a new outbreak of Ebola in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to health authorities, as efforts intensify to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
The Ministry of Health said the outbreak has been confirmed in the Ituri province, where rapid response teams are currently conducting field investigations, tracing individuals who may have come into contact with infected patients, and carrying out public awareness campaigns to limit further transmission.
Health officials confirmed that eight cases have so far been laboratory-verified, including four deaths, as testing and surveillance continue in affected communities.
Authorities identified the virus strain as the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, a variant of Ebola that has been less frequently reported in the DRC in previous outbreaks.
This marks the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the country since the virus was first identified in 1976. The DRC has experienced repeated outbreaks due to its dense forest regions, cross-border movement, and challenges in rural health infrastructure.
Health experts warn that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, saliva, and other secretions, making early detection, isolation, and community awareness critical to controlling outbreaks.
The government, alongside international health partners, is expected to scale up containment measures as surveillance continues in affected and neighboring areas.
