Medical personnel are rushing to the frontlines of a new Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, whose late detection and quick spread have alarmed health experts, according to a Reuters report dated May 18, 2026.
The outbreak, centered in the city of Bunia, has seen at least 10 confirmed cases and 3 deaths as of May 17, according to the World Health Organization. The first case was reported on May 12, but health officials believe the virus may have been circulating for several weeks before detection.
Health workers are deploying to the region to set up treatment centers and begin contact tracing. The response is complicated by ongoing conflict in the area, which has displaced thousands and made access difficult.
The WHO has warned that the risk of further spread is high, given the proximity to borders with Uganda and Rwanda. Vaccination efforts are underway, with ring vaccination targeting contacts of confirmed cases.
