New Ebola outbreak 'kills 80' in Democratic Republic of Congo

A new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resulted in 80 deaths, the country's health ministry has said, according to the Reuters news agency.

The outbreak has been identified in the remote Ituri province, near the border with Uganda, where officials have recorded 246 suspected cases, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Most of the cases and deaths have been reported in the Mongwalu, Rwampara and Bunia health zones, the agency said on Friday.

The government said it has activated its public ​health emergency operations centre, strengthened epidemiological and
laboratory surveillance, and ordered the rapid deployment of response teams.

The Ebola virus spreads through bodily fluids, including blood, vomit and semen, and can cause severe and often fatal illness.

Africa CDC has also raised concerns over the proximity of the outbreak to neighbouring Uganda and South Sudan.

"Africa CDC is concerned about the risk of further spread due to the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara" as well as "intense population movement" and mobility related to mining in the affected areas, which are close to Uganda and South Sudan, the agency said in a statement.

"Given ‌the high population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries, rapid regional coordination is essential," the statement added.

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An emergency meeting involving health officials from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, alongside UN agencies and other international partners, was due to take place on Friday to coordinate the response.

DRC has experienced 17 Ebola outbreaks since the disease was first identified in the country in 1976.

One of the deadliest outbreaks, between 2018 and 2020 in eastern Congo, killed more than 2,000 people.

The country's eastern regions are also facing ongoing violence involving armed groups, including the M23 rebel movement and the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Force, complicating efforts to contain the disease.

Dr Gabriel Nsakala, a public health professor involved in previous Ebola responses in DRC, said the country had extensive experience dealing with outbreaks but warned rapid action would be essential.

"In terms of training, people already know what they can do," he said.

"Now, the expertise and equipment need to be delivered quickly."

(c) Sky News 2026: New Ebola outbreak 'kills 80' in Democratic Republic of Congo