The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says 65 people have died and at least 246 suspected cases have been recorded following an outbreak of the Ebola virus in Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials, or persons who have died from the disease.
In a statement on Friday, the health agency said preliminary laboratory results from the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) detected the Ebola virus in 13 out of 20 samples tested.
Africa CDC said the results suggest a non-Zaire ebola virus strain, adding that sequencing is ongoing to further characterise the virus.
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“The results are expected within the next 24 hours with support from Africa CDC,” the statement reads.
The agency said the suspected cases and deaths were reported mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, while four deaths were recorded among laboratory-confirmed cases.
It added that suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia and pending confirmation.
The agency said it is closely monitoring the outbreak and supporting national authorities to coordinate a rapid response.
Africa CDC expressed concern over the risk of further spread, citing the urban setting of Bunia and Rwampara, population movement, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, insecurity in affected areas, and gaps in infection prevention and control.
The health agency also noted the proximity of the affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan as a major concern.
Africa CDC said it has convened an emergency high-level coordination meeting with health authorities from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, alongside global health partners including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the US CDC.
The meeting, according to the agency, will focus on cross-border coordination, surveillance, laboratory support, infection prevention and control, risk communication, safe burials, and resource mobilisation.
“Africa CDC stands in solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they respond to this outbreak,” Jean Kaseya said.
“Given the high population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries, rapid regional coordination is essential.”
The agency said it is preparing additional support across key response areas, including emergency coordination, digital surveillance, laboratory management, and community engagement.
Africa CDC urged residents in affected and at-risk areas to report symptoms promptly, avoid direct contact with suspected cases, and cooperate with health response teams.
Ebola is not new to DR Congo. In 2025, an earlier outbreak killed at least 15 people before it was eventually declared over.
