Mpox case confirmed in northeastern Congolese city at center of Ebola outbreak

A confirmed case of mpox has been identified in Bunia, a northeastern city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of the disease amid the country's worst Ebola outbreak. The Ebola epidemic, which began on May 15 in Ituri province, has infected 7,890 people and caused 3,799 deaths, according to government data published on September 24, 2026.

Mpox, a viral disease causing fever and skin lesions, spreads through close physical contact. Congo declared an end to the mpox public health emergency in April following a three-year outbreak that led to over 34,000 confirmed cases nationwide. A 21-year-old woman, admitted to the hospital on Thursday with body lesions consistent with mpox, tested positive for the virus on Friday.

A second woman, aged 32, is also suspected of having mpox and awaiting lab results. Both patients have been isolated and are receiving care from a dedicated medical team. Investigations are ongoing to trace contacts and determine the source of infection. Health officials are monitoring five suspected mpox cases in Bunia. The Ebola outbreak has strained Congo's health system, complicating efforts to track other infections, according to Adelard Lofungola, a health official serving as deputy incident manager for Congo's mpox response.