DRC : the Ebola epidemic reported in South Kivu, Africa CDC warns of a regional risk in ten African countries

SOS Médias Burundi

Goma, May 25, 2026 — The Ebola epidemic continues its progress in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with an extension now confirmed to South Kivu in eastern Congo. As cases continue to rise amid an unstable security context, regional and international health authorities warn of a risk of spread in several Central and East African countries.

According to the latest situation report from the Congolese Ministry of Health, dated May 24, 2026, two confirmed cases, including one death, have been recorded in South Kivu. The household was identified in the health area of ​​Miti-Murhesa, in the territory of Kabare, north of Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu.

The chief physician of the provincial health division of South Kivu, Dr. Aimé Alengo, confirmed the presence of these first cases in the province. The affected area is located in an environment marked by persistent insecurity, greatly complicating the interventions of response teams.

Faced with this situation, the Congolese authorities are pleading for secure humanitarian and health access. During a joint press conference with his Ugandan counterpart and Africa CDC Director-General, the Minister of Public Health, Roger Samuel Kamba, stressed the need to facilitate field operations.

The Africa CDC (African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health agency of the African Union responsible for the surveillance, prevention and response to epidemics on the continent) warns against a regional spread of the disease.

A regional alert in ten countries at risk

On Saturday, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said ten countries in Central and East Africa are now considered at risk in the face of the spread of the disease.

The countries affected are : South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Congo, Burundi, Angola, Central African Republic and Zambia.

This alert comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) recently triggered an international health alert to strengthen the response to the Ebola outbreak in DRC, the epicenter of the epidemic.

Situation in DRC and neighboring countries

According to official data, this 17th outbreak of Ebola in the DRC has already recorded 817 cases and 179 deaths in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Surveillance and seizure operations continue under challenging conditions, especially due to persistent insecurity in the east of the country.

In Uganda, health authorities have confirmed three new cases, strengthening surveillance at the borders with the DRC.

The signs of Ebola

Health authorities remind that Ebola virus hemorrhagic fever usually begins with symptoms similar to those of many other infections. The main signs include :

sudden and high fever

great fatigue and intense weakness

headaches and muscle aches

vomiting and diarrhea

internal or external bleeding in severe cases

rapid dehydration

Transmission occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or with contaminated objects.

The authorities call on the population to avoid any contact with the sick, to report suspected cases quickly and to strictly observe preventive measures, especially hand hygiene, isolation of suspected cases and cooperation with health teams, in order to limit the spread of the epidemic.