Congo-Kinshasa: Suspected Ebola Cases Top 900 in DR Congo As Epidemic Spreads, Warns WHO Chief

The head of the World Health Organization has warned that more than 900 suspected cases of Ebola have been identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the epidemic shows signs of spreading to neighbouring countries. In a social media post on Sunday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the figure includes 101 confirmed cases, according to reports from multiple outlets.

Coverage Comparison

While most sources agree on the headline figures, reports differ on certain details. The WHO chief emphasised the challenges posed by ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in Ituri province, where nearly 5 million people live amid fighting. One outlet reported that 220 suspected deaths have been recorded, while the country's health ministry has said 204 deaths have been recorded in three provinces. The death toll figures have not yet been reconciled across sources.

Key Claims

• Case numbers: Ghebreyesus reported more than 900 suspected cases, including 101 confirmed, as cited by multiple outlets. The health ministry's latest count, cited by some sources, puts suspected cases at 867, with 204 deaths.
• Spread to Uganda: Uganda has confirmed three new cases this weekend, bringing its total to five, with one death reported.
• Regional risk: The African Union's health agency has warned that ten countries are at risk, including Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia.
• Public health emergency: The WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, as reported by one outlet.
• Violence and access: Treatment centres in eastern DRC have been set on fire, and misinformation campaigns on social media are slowing case investigations, according to WHO officials quoted in one report.

Perspectives

The WHO's framing, as reported, underscores how conflict in eastern DRC impedes Ebola contact tracing and early identification of cases. Ghebreyesus noted that one in four people in Ituri province need humanitarian assistance and one in five are internally displaced.

The outbreak, declared in eastern DRC on 15 May, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain—a less common form of the virus for which there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics. Health officials have said contact tracing and isolation remain the only proven methods to contain spread.

Local community distrust, exacerbated by misinformation on social media, has been identified as a significant barrier. Two treatment centres were recently set on fire, and strict burial protocols—including bans on funeral gatherings of more than 50 people—have provoked anger. WHO is working with traditional leaders and healers to improve community engagement, according to Dr. Marie Roseline Belizaire, Director of Emergency Response for WHO Africa.

The WHO has recommended prioritising two antibodies in clinical trials for Ebola treatment, though this claim has not been independently verified by multiple sources.

As the epidemic spreads beyond DRC's borders, regional coordination will be critical. The reported cases in Uganda and the AU health agency's warning about ten at-risk countries highlight the potential for wider transmission.

This article is based on reporting from AllAfrica, RFI, and other sources as of 25 May 2026.