Urgent Regional Coordination Meeting Activated Amid Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Ituri Province, DRC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is actively monitoring an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The organization is collaborating with national health authorities and various partners to facilitate a swift and coordinated response to this public health crisis.
Preliminary Findings and Current Situation
Recent consultations with the DRC’s Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute have yielded preliminary laboratory results from the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB). These results indicate the presence of the Ebola virus in 13 out of 20 tested samples. The findings suggest a non-Zaire ebolavirus strain, with further sequencing underway to better characterize the virus. Results from this sequencing are anticipated within the next 24 hours, supported by Africa CDC.
As of the latest update, there are approximately 246 suspected cases and 65 reported deaths, predominantly in the health zones of Mongwalu and Rwampara. Among the laboratory-confirmed cases, four deaths have been documented. Additional suspected cases have emerged in Bunia, awaiting confirmation.
Risks of Further Spread
Africa CDC has expressed concern regarding the potential for further transmission of the virus. Factors contributing to this risk include the urban environments of Bunia and Rwampara, significant population movement, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, ongoing insecurity in affected regions, and deficiencies in contact tracing and infection prevention measures. The proximity of these areas to Uganda and South Sudan further complicates the situation.
High-Level Coordination Meeting
In response to the outbreak, Africa CDC is convening a high-level coordination meeting today, May 15, 2026. This meeting will involve health authorities from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, alongside key partners such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the United States CDC, and various pharmaceutical companies and international organizations.
The agenda will prioritize immediate response measures, including cross-border coordination, enhanced surveillance, laboratory support, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and safe burial practices. Resource mobilization will also be a critical focus of the discussions.
H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of solidarity with the DRC government and its citizens during this outbreak. He stated that rapid regional coordination is vital, given the high levels of population movement between affected areas and neighboring countries. Africa CDC is committed to strengthening surveillance and response efforts to contain the outbreak effectively.
Preparedness and Community Engagement
Africa CDC is preparing to provide support across several key response pillars. These include coordination through emergency operations, digital surveillance and data management, cross-border preparedness, and community engagement. The organization will also collaborate with partners to evaluate the availability and suitability of medical countermeasures once the exact ebolavirus species is confirmed through sequencing.
Communities in affected and at-risk areas are urged to adhere to guidance from national health authorities. This includes promptly reporting symptoms, avoiding direct contact with suspected cases, and supporting response teams dedicated to community protection. Further information will be disseminated as it becomes available and as sequencing results are finalized.
For more details, refer to the source: www.zawya.com.
Understanding Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated materials, or deceased persons. Key measures to halt transmission include early detection, prompt isolation and care, contact tracing, effective infection prevention, community engagement, and safe burial practices. The World Health Organization outlines that Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces.
About Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) serves as the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC aims to bolster health systems, enhance disease surveillance, and improve emergency preparedness and response among AU Member States. For further information, visit: Africa CDC.
Published on 2026-05-15 17:42:00 • By the Editorial Desk
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