DR Congo: A New Ebola Variant Declared in Ituri Threatens Children’s Lives

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: World Vision Ituri Province is home to more than 900,000 internally displaced people. Thousands of children are exposed to a high risk of infection. The newly identified Ebola variant does not match any previously known strain and currently has no vaccine available. Kinshasa, 18 May 2026 – The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared a new Ebola outbreak in the health zones of Bunia, Mongwalu, and Rwampara in Ituri Province. The initial toll, considered alarming, reports 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, including 4 confirmed positive cases. This new outbreak comes amid an already fragile humanitarian situation marked by massive population displacement, persistent insecurity, and limited access to basic healthcare services. Children are among the groups most exposed to this health threat. ***“Our main concern is for children, who are the most vulnerable in a region already heavily affected by conflict and where humanitarian assistance remains insufficient due to a lack of resources. Drawing on our experience and working alongside all stakeholders, we are taking appropriate measures to limit the spread of this outbreak and save lives, particularly through hygiene promotion, with a special focus on areas hosting increasing numbers of internally displaced people. World Vision is working closely with health authorities to respond to this new disease,”***said Philippe Guiton, National Director of World Vision DRC. David Munkley, East zone Director, also stressed the urgency of a rapid response: ***“Ituri is already facing an alarming situation of acute malnutrition, which further weakens people’s immune systems, combined with extremely limited access to healthcare in remote areas. A rapid and coordinated response w...

Original source: Relief Web