Ebola outbreak in DR Congo intensifies amid armed conflict and community distrust

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed a suspected 220 people out of over 900 cases, prompting the WHO to declare a "very high" risk. Caused by the rare Bundibugyo species, the response is hampered by armed conflict, community distrust leading to attacks on clinics, and U.S. aid cuts. The virus has spread to neighboring Uganda, which has confirmed seven cases and restricted travel from the DRC.

Eastern DR Congo outbreak

• ▪The Democratic Republic of Congo declared an Ebola outbreak on May 15, 2026.
• ▪Three Red Cross volunteers died from suspected Ebola after reportedly handling infected bodies.
• ▪The World Health Organization raised its risk level for the disease in DR Congo to "very high" on May 22, 2026.
• ▪As of May 25, 2026, health workers have registered over 900 suspected Ebola cases and 220 suspected deaths in the DR Congo.

Bundibugyo virus species detection

• ▪The current Ebola outbreak is caused by the less-studied Bundibugyo species of the virus.
• ▪A vaccine exists for the Zaire species of Ebola, but the current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species.
• ▪The Democratic Republic of Congo has had 17 official Ebola outbreaks since 1976, most of which were caused by the Zaire species.

Armed conflict infrastructure obstacles

• ▪Confirmed Ebola cases have been recorded in North and South Kivu provinces, areas largely governed by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
• ▪The response to the Ebola outbreak is complicated by violent armed groups in eastern Congo, such as the Codeco and the Islamic State-aligned ADF.
• ▪Much of eastern Congo has extremely poor road infrastructure, hindering health responders.

Community distrust facility attacks

• ▪In the week prior to May 24, 2026, angry residents attacked health clinics or treatment centers in Mongbwalu and Rwampara on two occasions, sometimes setting fire to medical tents.
• ▪Health responders report that a lack of community trust and misinformation are among their largest problems.

Cross-border spread to Uganda

• ▪Neighboring Uganda has registered seven confirmed Ebola cases as of May 25, 2026, after the virus spread from DR Congo.
• ▪The outbreak in Uganda began after two infected individuals from DR Congo traveled to the country.
• ▪Uganda has temporarily halted all flights to and from DR Congo and restricted land border crossings to contain the spread.

Response funding U.S. cuts

• ▪The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the five poorest countries in the world, with over 80% of its population surviving on $3 a day or less.
• ▪Congo's Health Minister Roger Kamba stated that U.S. aid cuts are complicating the response to the Ebola outbreak and called for increased funding.

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