DR Congo: DRC Ebola Outbreak

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: CARE Media Spokespeople (English & French) Dr Amadou Bocoum, CARE DRC Country Director (Kinshasa, DRC) Robyn Savage, Roving Humanitarian Director Eliza Nedyalkova, CARE DRC Resource Mobilization Manager Background The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently facing a new outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in a context already characterized by a protracted humanitarian crisis, particularly in eastern provinces affected by insecurity, displacement, and limited access to basic services. DRC has declared its 17th Ebola outbreak , confirmed on 15 May 2026 in Ituri Province the same region already devastated by protracted conflict, mass displacement, and one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain , for which no widely available vaccine currently exists. With at least 2–3 weeks of undetected transmission before the official declaration, the spread is almost certainly wider than current numbers reflect. 246 suspected cases and approximately 80 deaths reported as of 15 May 2026. This is not a localized outbreak. A suspected case has already been reported in Goma, a major regional transit hub, and across the border in Uganda. World Health Organisation has classified this as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), underscoring the severity of the cross-border risk. CARE DRC is mobilizing an emergency response and urgently calls on the international community to act now, before this outbreak escalates further. USD$3 ,318, 000 in flexible, immediately deployable funding is needed. CARE is targeting 500,000 to 1,000,000 people in affected and high-risk areas, including Ituri Province, key health zones in North Kivu, and selected urban and cross-...

Original source: Relief Web