Rising Fears as Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Spreads Quickly

Mon Jun 01 2026 19:16:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

With the death toll in the Democratic Republic of Congo's ongoing Ebola outbreak reaching 136, health experts warn that the situation may be worse than initially assessed, escalating fears among local residents.

The World Health Organization has raised concerns over a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 136 deaths have been reported and over 514 suspected cases. Local residents express fear and uncertainty as warnings of under-detection and a larger outbreak emerge. Authorities and health officials are mobilizing urgent responses to control the situation amid rising fatalities and ongoing challenges in healthcare access.

People living close to the epicentre of a deadly Ebola outbreak have expressed their fears as the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that cases may be spreading faster than first thought. Residents in the Democratic Republic of Congo's northeastern Ituri province are experiencing rapid deaths from the virus, with one local stating, Ebola has tortured us. The outbreak has already resulted in 136 confirmed deaths, with over 514 suspected cases, and has also spread into neighboring Uganda.

Dr. Anne Ancia from WHO noted that ongoing investigations reveal more widespread transmission than initially detected. A modeling study indicates a possibility of over 1,000 cases being unreported, signaling substantial under-detection. This outbreak has the potential to escalate significantly, especially as it is taking place in an area struggling with health system weaknesses due to years of conflict.

Local residents like Bigboy have described their efforts to protect themselves, such as practicing hand hygiene. Despite these measures, they report a lack of access to essential supplies, including face masks. Alfred Giza, another local, voiced uncertainty about how to respond if someone close to him contracts the disease.

Health experts warn that failure to identify cases early, compounded by misinformation and overwhelmed health systems, could lead to rapid escalation of the outbreak. President Félix Tshisekedi has called for vigilance among citizens, while WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who declared the outbreak an international emergency, has expressed deep concern over its scale and speed. With aid resources stretched thin, the situation remains dire as health officials scramble to contain the Ebola virus from spreading further.