Fresh Ebola outbreak hits Congo’s Ituri region, sparking cross-border fears

Africa CDC has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, concentrated in Mongwalu and Rwampara and with suspected cases reported in Bunia near the Uganda border. The risk of further spread remains high due to cross-border movement, security disruptions, and mining-related travel. Congo has had 17 Ebola outbreaks since 1976; vaccines exist but logistics and funding challenges have hampered responses in the past. An urgent cross-border coordination meeting with Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and UN partners aims to accelerate surveillance, safe burials, and vaccine delivery.