ECDC monitoring Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported. Ebolavirus was detected in 13 of 20 samples tested at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Based on the available information and current uncertainties, the likelihood of infection for EU/EEA residents in or travellers to the Ituri Province is assessed as low. For the general population in the EU/EEA, the likelihood of infection is very low due to the limited possibility of importation and onward transmission in Europe.

Ebola outbreaks have previously been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including in Ituri Province, during the large 2018–2020 outbreak caused by Zaire ebolavirus, which resulted in more than 3 400 reported cases. At the time, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The most recent Ebola outbreak in the country prior to the current one was reported in 2025.

ECDC is monitoring the outbreak through its epidemic intelligence activities and remains in close contact with key partners, including the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Commission, and WHO. ECDC’s assessment will be updated as new information becomes available.