The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the 'scale and speed' of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is suspected to have caused more than 130 deaths. The outbreak, centered in North Kivu province, has been complicated by ongoing armed conflict and community mistrust.
As of May 2026, the WHO reports over 200 suspected cases, with a high fatality rate. The virus has spread to several health zones, including Beni and Butembo, areas previously affected by Ebola in 2018-2020. Health workers face challenges in accessing affected communities due to insecurity.
The WHO has deployed teams to support surveillance, vaccination, and treatment efforts. The experimental Ebola vaccine, rVSV-ZEBOV, is being used in ring vaccination campaigns, targeting contacts of confirmed cases. However, vaccine hesitancy and logistical hurdles remain significant obstacles.
International partners, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are assisting the DRC Ministry of Health. The outbreak is not yet classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), but the WHO urges increased funding and coordination.
