The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has called for urgent regional coordination following a new outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and an imported Ebola Bundibugyo case reported in Uganda.
According to Africa CDC, health authorities in the DRC have recorded 246 suspected cases and at least 65 deaths linked to the outbreak, with laboratory investigations confirming Ebola virus infection in several samples. The outbreak is centred in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones in Ituri Province, a region already grappling with insecurity, population displacement and weak health infrastructure.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has also confirmed an imported Ebola Bundibugyo case involving a patient who travelled from the DRC and later died in Kampala. The development has heightened fears of cross-border transmission across East and Central Africa.
Africa CDC said the situation demands “rapid, coordinated regional action” because of the high movement of people between the affected areas and neighbouring countries including Uganda and South Sudan.
The agency disclosed that emergency coordination efforts are already underway involving national governments, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other health partners. Rapid response teams have reportedly been deployed, while surveillance, contact tracing and laboratory testing are being intensified in affected communities.
Health experts say the outbreak is particularly concerning because the Bundibugyo strain is less common than the Zaire strain of Ebola, and currently available licensed Ebola vaccines are primarily designed for the Zaire variant.
The outbreak is the latest in a series of recurring Ebola emergencies in the DRC, which has experienced multiple outbreaks since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976. Experts warn that insecurity, limited healthcare access and delayed detection continue to complicate containment efforts in eastern Congo.
Residents in affected communities have been urged to report symptoms early, avoid contact with suspected cases, and cooperate with public health officials. Africa CDC also stressed the importance of stronger regional preparedness, especially in border communities with frequent cross-border travel.
The World Health Organization has reportedly released emergency funding to support response operations, while neighbouring countries are increasing screening and preparedness measures at border points and health facilities.