Ebola outbreak kills at least 30 in DRC refugee camp near Bunia

At least 30 people have died in a refugee camp near Bunia in Ituri province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 15,000 displaced persons live. The deaths, reported since early May, showed symptoms of fever, severe headache and vomiting that match Ebola, and families initially refused testing. Camp officials say the monthly death rate is usually one to three, making this surge unprecedented.

Health authorities report the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, with 933 confirmed cases and 245 deaths in the province as of 19 June. The World Health Organization warned the virus is spreading rapidly and could accelerate among the five million displaced in eastern DRC and across borders, with a few cases already identified in neighboring Uganda. Overcrowding, poor sanitation and reduced UN aid hamper containment, prompting calls for early detection, isolation and community cooperation.