Deadly Ebola Outbreak Claims Over 100 Lives in DR Congo

Mon Jun 01 2026 17:56:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

An alarming Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in at least 100 deaths, with more than 390 suspected cases reported. Public health officials emphasize the importance of preventive measures as the WHO classifies the outbreak as an international emergency.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with a serious Ebola outbreak that has led to over 100 reported deaths and more than 390 suspected cases. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa CDC, cautioned that there are no approved treatments or vaccines available while urging the public to adhere to health guidelines. The outbreak has prompted the WHO to declare it a public health emergency and warn of potential widespread impact beyond current numbers. Uganda has also reported cases and deaths related to the outbreak, heightening regional concerns...

At least 100 deaths have been reported in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 390 cases suspected, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has told the BBC.

Jean Kaseya warned that with no approved drugs or vaccines people should follow public health measures, including at funerals of Ebola victims.

There are also two confirmed cases and one death in Uganda, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of the current strain of Ebola, which is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, an international emergency.

An American doctor in the DR Congo is among those with a confirmed case, the medical missionary group they were working with and the CDC has said. The individual, who has not been named, will now be taken to Germany for treatment, they told CBS News, the BBC's US partner. CBS News also quoted sources as saying that at least six Americans have been exposed to the Ebola virus during the outbreak in the DR Congo.

The CDC said it was supporting the 'safe withdrawal' of a small number of Americans who are directly affected, but did not confirm how many. The US government is reportedly looking to arrange transport for the group of Americans in DR Congo to a safe quarantine location.

The WHO has said the outbreak in DR Congo's eastern Ituri province is a public health emergency of international concern, but did not meet the criteria of a pandemic. The agency has also warned it could potentially be 'a much larger outbreak' than what is currently being detected and reported, with significant risk of local and regional spread.

More than 28,600 people were infected by Ebola during the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa, the largest outbreak since its discovery in 1976, which killed over 11,000 people.

Kaseya told the BBC that people should adhere strictly to public health measures to prevent infections, especially during community funerals...