The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) will travel to Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), described as the “most heavily affected” area in the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak.
On social media platform X, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed health workers in the eastern province where the first case was recorded: “I want you to know that you are not alone. You are the backbone of this response.”
He said he would visit the city of Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, along with colleagues, to meet with leaders, listen to their concerns, and do everything possible to provide support.
The latest figures from the DRC government record 121 confirmed cases, 17 deaths, 246 suspected deaths, and 1,077 suspected cases. Authorities estimate the actual number of casualties may be higher.
Unlike most previous Ebola outbreaks in Congo, which were caused by the Zaire strain and had vaccines and treatments available, this outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain—for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists.
On May 28, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), announced plans to develop a vaccine and treatment for the Bundibugyo strain by the end of 2026.
An EU aid cargo plane has delivered gloves, masks, boots, and medicines—items that had been in short supply—to Bunia. Further aid shipments are expected within eight days. Health workers in some areas have had to use expired medical masks when treating suspected patients, while community anger over strict medical procedures for handling bodies and ongoing armed violence increase risks.
Dr. Tedros appealed to armed groups in eastern Congo: “Please declare a ceasefire, even for a moment, enough for health workers to pass through.”
The government is mobilizing all resources, including disbursing $20 million, while urging the public to follow health guidelines. The United States announced an additional $80 million in aid, bringing total support since the outbreak began to $112 million.
Uganda has confirmed eight cases, including one death. The country has closed its borders for at least four weeks. The rising number of cases among health workers is concerning, according to Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Health.
Kenya has allowed the United States to open a quarantine facility at Laikipia airbase for U.S. citizens exposed to the outbreak. Along with Canada and Mexico, the U.S. has announced public health measures for travelers arriving from high-risk areas in Africa.
