550 confirmed cases of Ebola reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo

On 15 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) declared an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

While 550 have so far been confirmed, a further 94 suspected cases have been reported in Ituri Province, situated in the north-east of the country. Sadly, 101 people are confirmed to have died. 

On Saturday 23 May, the Africa CDC warned that ten other African nations are at risk of Ebola. The ten countries include Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Zambia.

In the past week, the numbers linked to the outbreak have changed. More cases are now confirmed and fewer are listed as suspected. This is mainly because testing has improved in Ituri. Before, tests had to be done over 1,500 km away in Kinshasa.

The number of confirmed cases and deaths is still increasing and needs urgent action. It is still not known how widespread the outbreak is.

What is Ebola?

Ebola was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976, making this outbreak the 17^th in the country.

It is a deadly viral disease with no proven cure and according to the WHO, has an average fatality rate of around 50%.

The outbreak comes months after the 16^th Ebola outbreak in the Kasai Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo which was declared over in December 2025.

Why is this Ebola outbreak different?

The current Ebola outbreak is of the Bundibugyo strain, which has a fatality rate of between 21% and 50%. 101 people infected by the current outbreak are confirmed to have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This strain is much rarer than the more common Zaire strain for which a vaccine exists. For this reason, the WHO says it could take up to nine months before a vaccine against this particular strain of Ebola is ready. This means that people currently vaccinated against Ebola are still at risk.

A vaccine is being developed but it will be several months until it's ready. This makes it even more important to focus on basic public health actions, like working closely with communities, finding cases early and giving people quick access to care.

Risk of Ebola in the UK

According to the NHS, the risk to people in the UK is currently low. There has never been a case of person-to-person spread in the UK.

For further information on Ebola, visit the NHS’s information page.

Symptoms of Ebola

Ebola shares similar symptoms to malaria, which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Ituri, and was a complicating factor in early detection and surveillance.

Symptoms can appear suddenly between 2 and 21 days after infection. Infection occurs when a person comes into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal. 

Initially symptoms are flu-like, and may include:

• high temperature
• extreme tiredness
• muscle ache
• sore throat
• headache

These may be followed by symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain.

Current Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The two most affected areas by the Ebola outbreak are Rwampara and Mongwalu, which both contain densely populated mining communities that are transient, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

The outbreak is occurring in provinces already facing crises including weak healthcare systems and the presence of armed actors. Since January 2025, there have been 44 attacks on healthcare facilities in the DRC.

Another risk factor is the area’s proximity to neighbouring South Sudan and Uganda. Officials have so far reported 19 confirmed cases and two suspected deaths due to Ebola in Uganda.

Red Cross response to the Ebola outbreak

Local teams from the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are already on the ground, working alongside health authorities to treat affected people and stop the virus from spreading further. 

In Uganda, the Uganda Red Cross is preparing to treat anyone infected and to stop the virus from spreading beyond its borders. 

The risk of further spread is high, but drawing on years of experience, Red Cross teams are already supporting communities. Early supportive healthcare increases the chances of patient survival. 

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an emergency appeal to raise funds and scale up the response on the ground, so that people who need help get it as soon as possible. 

How you can help people affected by the Ebola outbreak

The British Red Cross is supporting the response to the Ebola outbreak through our Disaster Fund.

The faster we act, the more lives we can save and our Disaster Fund allows us to respond quickly and flexibly. We are also sending specialist teams to work directly with the Red Cross of the DRC and our Movement partners in the region to support the response.  

The best and quickest way to help people affected by this outbreak is to donate to our Disaster Fund today. Your donation helps us support people affected by the Ebola outbreak, as well as other disasters across the world.