The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently grappling with a severe Ebola outbreak that has now extended into a fourth province, Haut-Uele. This escalation in the outbreak was confirmed by health authorities, indicating a worrying trend as the virus spreads across the northeastern region of the country.

As of the latest reports, the DRC has recorded a total of 1,307 confirmed Ebola cases, with 377 fatalities attributed to the virus. The outbreak, which was declared on May 15, 2026, has primarily affected the Ituri province, known for its ongoing conflicts, where the majority of cases have been concentrated.

The spread of Ebola into Haut-Uele, which borders South Sudan and the Central African Republic, raises significant concerns for public health officials. The movement of individuals from Ituri's capital, Bunia, into Haut-Uele has been identified as a key factor in the transmission of the virus to this new area.

The entire northeastern region of the DRC, home to around 15 million people, is now at risk as the outbreak continues to evolve. Health authorities are working diligently to contain the spread, but the challenges posed by the region's instability complicate response efforts.

Recent updates from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) indicate that the outbreak remains severe, with a significant number of new cases reported daily. In the past 24 hours alone, 47 new confirmed cases and 12 deaths were documented, underscoring the ongoing transmission of the virus.

The situation is particularly dire in Ituri province, which has reported the highest number of cases and deaths. As health officials continue to monitor and respond to the outbreak, the need for effective containment measures and public health interventions is more critical than ever.