Ebola Outbreak Claims Over 220 Lives Amidst Struggle in Congo and Uganda
As of May 25, 2026, the ongoing Ebola outbreak has reportedly caused more than 220 deaths, according to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization (WHO). The announcement highlights challenges faced by health workers in detecting and responding to cases promptly.
Two new cases in Uganda brought the total infections there to seven. These cases relate to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where suspected cases have exceeded 900. The outbreak seemingly commenced several days before the official declaration by the authorities on May 15. A 59-year-old Congolese man hospitalized in Kampala on May 11 succumbed to the virus prior to its identification.
According to WHO, the Ebola outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola responsible for current infections lacks an approved vaccine or treatment. Efforts are underway by scientists at the University of Oxford to develop a viable vaccine, projected to enter clinical trials in the upcoming months.
In Congo’s Ituri province, challenges such as public fear, hostility, and distrust of authorities complicate the healthcare response. Attacks on treatment centers add to difficulties in controlling the outbreak. On May 21, a gunfire incident at Mongbwalu General Hospital underscored the volatility in the region. Medical staff faced evacuation demands alongside threats and violence from local groups demanding the return of deceased relatives.
To mitigate the spread of Ebola, authorities in Congo have banned large gatherings and restricted funeral wakes. Bodies of Ebola victims pose a high contagion risk, necessitating safe handling by trained professionals.
Previously, attacks resulted in the destruction of medical facilities by protesters. Some individuals suspected of having Ebola went unaccounted for after fleeing during protests against burial restrictions.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies recently announced the deaths of three volunteers in Mongbwalu due to the outbreak. This revelation indicates possible earlier beginnings of the epidemic.
Although Congo faces a substantial threat from Ebola, the global dissemination risk remains low. Efforts continue to screen individuals crossing borders between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to prevent further transmission.