New Ebola Outbreak Confirmed in Congo’s Ituri Province 65 Deaths Reported

FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Q1: When was the new Ebola outbreak confirmed?
A: On 15 May 2026.

Q2: Where is the outbreak located?
A: In Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Q3: How many suspected cases and deaths were reported as of 15 May 2026?
A: 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths.

Q4: Which strain of Ebola was found in this outbreak?
A: A non-Zaire ebolavirus strain (further sequencing is ongoing).

Q5: Which countries attended the emergency meeting called by Africa CDC?
A: Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

EXAM-FOCUSED POINTS

• Outbreak confirmed:  15 May 2026

• Location:  Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo (north-eastern part)

• Confirmed by:  Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

• Laboratory tests:  13 out of 20 samples positive for Ebola

• Testing agency:  Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale

• Suspected cases:  246

• Deaths:  65

• Most affected health zones:  Mongwalu and Rwampara

• Other suspected cases:  Bunia (pending confirmation)

• Virus strain:  Non-Zaire ebolavirus (sequencing ongoing)

• Emergency meeting:  15 May 2026 with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan

• Ebola first identified:  1976 in DRC and Sudan

• Transmission:  Direct contact with blood, body fluids, contaminated materials

• Ebola family:  Filoviridae; genus Ebolavirus

• Lab confirmation methods:  PCR, antigen detection, virus isolation