Ebola cases surpass 8,000 as DRC struggles to control outbreak

A laboratory-confirmed case of mpox has been identified in the northeastern Congolese city of Bunia, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of the disease as the country grapples with its worst Ebola outbreak on record. Bunia is located in Ituri province, where an Ebola epidemic has been declared since May 15, 2026, resulting in 7,890 infections and 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. After a three-year outbreak that led to over 34,000 confirmed cases nationwide, Congo declared an end to mpox as a national public health emergency in April. However, officials cautioned that the virus had not been eradicated and could potentially resurge.

The latest case involves a 21-year-old woman admitted to the hospital on Thursday with lesions consistent with mpox. She tested positive on Friday, according to hospital director Davin Ambitapio Musungufu and two health officials. A second woman, aged 32, is a suspected mpox case and is awaiting laboratory results. Both patients have been isolated and are receiving care from a dedicated medical team. Investigations are underway to trace contacts and identify the source of infection.

Adelard Lofungola, a health official serving as deputy incident manager for Congo's mpox response, stated that five suspected mpox cases in Bunia are currently under investigation. Health officials have reported an increase in mpox cases across several parts of the country over the past month. Lofungola noted that the Ebola outbreak's impact on Congo's health system is complicating efforts to monitor other infections.