Ebola Outbreak Declared in DR Congo After Two-Month Delay

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have begun a large-scale response to an Ebola outbreak centered in Ituri province. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo variant and has spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, and neighboring Uganda.

The first known case died at a medical center in Bunia on 24 April. The body was buried 70 kilometres away in Mongbwalu, where mourners touched it before an outbreak was declared on 15 May following testing delays.

Officials report 671 suspected cases and 160 suspected deaths. Modeling by Imperial College London suggests the true number of infections may exceed 1,000. Treatment centers are being established, isolation tents installed, and medical supplies shipped to affected areas.

A nurse in the outbreak zone said the response is using available equipment and resources to protect residents who have already faced insecurity. International responders are working alongside Congolese health ministry staff.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared a public health emergency of international concern on 17 May to speed resource mobilization. Past Ebola responses in DRC have struggled in conflict zones, and the current outbreak is occurring in similar areas amid global aid cuts.

Local health workers report insufficient protective equipment and transport constraints. A researcher and general practitioner said past responses have not built enough local capacity, creating dependency on external teams. Residents in Bunia continue daily activities while health facilities report full isolation wards.