Overview
- Africa CDC, which confirmed the outbreak Friday, reported 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths centered in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones with suspected cases in Bunia.
- Preliminary testing by Congo’s national lab detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples, and officials said sequencing is underway to identify the exact species.
- Health agencies cautioned that if the virus is not the Zaire species, Congo’s stock of Ervebo vaccine and some treatments may have limited use.
- Africa CDC convened DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and global partners to tighten cross‑border surveillance, after Uganda reported one imported death in Kampala and quarantined contacts with no local transmission confirmed.
- Responders warned that armed violence, poor roads and constant movement linked to gold mining are slowing contact tracing and safe burials, with residents in and around Bunia describing frequent recent burials and strained clinics.