Ebola Outbreak in Congo and Uganda: Challenges Intensify

As of May 25, 2026, over 220 deaths are suspected from the ongoing Ebola outbreak, according to the World Health Organization’s Chief. The rising death toll is supported by Reuters reports. Delays in detecting cases have resulted in health workers struggling to catch up, as stated by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Uganda reported two new cases on Monday, increasing its infection count to seven. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen suspected cases surpass 900, with all linked to the Congo outbreak. The outbreak appears to have started well before Congo declared it on May 15.

A 59-year-old Congolese man died in Kampala on May 14, later identified with Ebola.

Two more Congolese nationals in Uganda tested positive. Ugandan authorities recently confirmed local infections, including a driver and health worker connected to the deceased Congolese man. Two additional health workers in Kampala also tested positive.

In the Congo’s Ituri province, suspected cases have reached over 900, with confirmed ones over 100. Tensions are high, with attacks on treatment centers stemming from distrust and regional violence. The World Health Organization labeled Ebola a public health emergency of international concern.

The Bundibugyo Ebola virus type is responsible for this outbreak and lacks an approved vaccine or treatment. Scientists at the University of Oxford hope to start trials for a prospective vaccine soon.

Violence and Evacuation

Violence erupted at the Mongbwalu General Hospital in eastern Congo as young men stormed the facility, prompting an evacuation against the backdrop of gunfire. Dr. Richard Lokudu reported the attackers sought the release of two deceased relatives’ bodies.

This incident marks the third attack on healthcare facilities within a week, emphasizing the resource struggles in treating Ebola cases. Handling contagious Ebola corpses often leads to broader virus spread during burials and gatherings.

Congolese authorities mandated careful burial procedures by officials to minimize risks, leading to protests. Bans on large gatherings were instituted to control virus transmission.

Residents of Mongbwalu recently torched a tent established by Doctors Without Borders for Ebola management. During the chaos, 18 suspected cases went unaccounted. Another facility was targeted, resulting in its destruction after banning family from retrieving a suspected Ebola victim’s body.

The World Health Organization noted a heightened risk level for the Congo, though global spread chances remain low.

Conflicting reports from the Congolese Ministry of Communication list 119 suspected deaths overall, but regional totals suggest 220. Attempts to resolve the discrepancy have been unsuccessful.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies confirmed three volunteer fatalities, contracted during a mission possibly dating the outbreak to March.