The number of suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has passed 900, as health workers struggle with attacks, shortages and deep public mistrust. The World Health Organization says the outbreak poses a “very high” national risk for Congo, while the risk of global spread remains low.
A fast-moving outbreak
As of 24 May, Congo had reported 904 suspected cases, 101 confirmed cases, 119 suspected deaths and 10 confirmed deaths. Uganda has also reported linked cases, but no broad international spread has been confirmed.
Violence complicates response
The outbreak is centred in eastern Congo, where insecurity has made containment harder. Treatment centres and hospitals have faced attacks, including incidents linked to anger over burial rules and distrust of health authorities.
Shortages and aid cuts
Health teams are also facing shortages of protective equipment, staff and funding. Aid cuts have weakened response capacity, while displacement and armed conflict have made surveillance, isolation and contact tracing more difficult.
A difficult strain
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine. That makes rapid detection, isolation, safe burials and community trust especially important.
Regional risk remains
WHO’s assessment is serious but specific: Congo faces a very high national risk, the regional risk remains elevated, and the global risk is still considered low. The challenge now is to contain the outbreak before fear, violence and weak infrastructure allow it to spread further.
Newshub Editorial in Africa – 25 May 2026
If you have an account with ChatGPT you get deeper explanations,
background and context related to what you are reading.
Open an account:
Open an account
Recent Comments