DR Congo: IRC launches emergency response as rare Ebola strain with no vaccine spreads across eastern DRC and Uganda | The IRC

Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda Source: International Rescue Committee At least 88 people have reportedly died and 336 suspected cases have been identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo Preliminary testing indicates the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no licensed vaccines or targeted treatments IRC is launching an emergency response to support infection prevention and control efforts, frontline health workers, and vulnerable communities amid fears of wider regional spread Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 18, 2026 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is launching an emergency response to the rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Health authorities in the DRC report at least 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases as well as one death and two confirmed cases in Uganda. The IRC warns that insecurity, displacement, fragile health systems, and high levels of population movement across the region risk accelerating transmission if containment efforts are not urgently scaled up. Laboratory analysis suggests the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no licensed vaccine or approved targeted treatment, increasing concerns among humanitarian and public health responders. Heather Kerr, IRC Democratic Republic of Congo Country Director, said: “Every delay has a human cost. The confirmation of cases in Goma raises serious alarm - a densely populated transport hub where the virus can spread fast and far. Eastern DRC's years of conflict and displacement have left health systems on their knees, and that makes containing this o...

Original source: Relief Web