Uncommon Ebola strain triggers cross-border outbreak in DRC and Uganda, 65 deaths

An Ebola outbreak in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ituri region has spilled into Uganda, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported so far. Early lab results suggest the strain may not be the Zaire variant, potentially Bundibugyo, which could complicate vaccines and treatments developed against Zaire Ebola. Urban transmission in Bunia and Rwampara, plus high cross‑border mobility, mining activity, militia clashes, and gaps in contact tracing, complicate containment. WHO is deploying support and releasing $500,000, while the US CDC and Africa CDC coordinate with DRC, Uganda, and neighboring countries to strengthen surveillance and response to prevent further spillover to regions like South Sudan.