Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC spreads to Uganda, South Sudan and Europe

The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, declared an epidemic in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in May 2026, has produced more than 1,100 laboratory‑confirmed cases and over 260 deaths. President Félix Tshisekedi ordered reinforced police presence and health teams to monitor movements, impose a 21‑day observation for contacts and limit international travel from affected zones.

The virus has crossed borders, with Uganda reporting 20 confirmed cases, two deaths and several health‑worker infections. The World Health Organization’s modelling warns of a high probability of spread to South Sudan, whose public‑health infrastructure is considered among the weakest in the region. Amref Health Africa is supporting Uganda’s border districts and refugee camps with community surveillance and risk communication.

In the DRC, traditional healers in Bunia have been trained to promote safe practices, described by coordinator Mbusa Sindani Jean Vianney as “one of the key actors for community awareness”. A local story highlighted Julienne Kahindo, a student who contracted Ebola while caring for her grandmother, recovered in an Ebola treatment centre and was allowed to sit her state exam from isolation.

Europe recorded its first imported case when a French humanitarian worker returned from the DRC and was isolated, prompting contact‑tracing procedures.