The East African Community has urged member states to heighten surveillance and strengthen emergency preparedness following confirmation of a new outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, raising concerns over possible cross-border transmission across the region.
The outbreak, confirmed on May 15 by Congolese health authorities, is centered in Ituri Province near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan. Preliminary reports indicate the virus is spreading mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with suspected cases also reported in Bunia, a major commercial and transport hub in eastern Congo.
According to the EAC Secretariat, approximately 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths had been reported by May 15, with laboratory testing confirming at least 13 Ebola-positive samples, including four confirmed deaths.
“The EAC remains vigilant and fully committed to supporting Partner States in strengthening surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, risk communication and community engagement, particularly in border areas,” said EAC Deputy Secretary General Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth.
He added that the region’s high movement of people and goods makes “coordinated preparedness and rapid information sharing” essential in preventing wider transmission and protecting livelihoods across East Africa.
The regional bloc called on member states to activate national and cross-border preparedness plans, intensify screening at border points and ensure rapid response teams are equipped to detect and isolate suspected cases quickly.
The latest outbreak has already spread beyond Congo’s borders. Ugandan authorities confirmed two Ebola cases linked to travellers from the DRC, including one fatality reported in Kampala.
Health experts say the Bundibugyo strain poses particular challenges because there is currently no fully approved vaccine specifically targeting it, unlike the more common Zaire Ebola strain used in previous outbreaks.
The outbreak marks the 17th recorded Ebola epidemic in the DRC since the virus was first identified near the Ebola River in 1976. Eastern Congo has experienced repeated outbreaks over the past decade, including the deadly Kivu epidemic between 2018 and 2020 that infected more than 3,400 people.
Regional health authorities warn that porous borders, heavy trade traffic and ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo could complicate containment efforts. Bunia, where suspected cases have been detected, serves as a strategic transit point connecting eastern DRC with Uganda and South Sudan.
The EAC said it is coordinating with the World Health Organization, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and international development partners to strengthen regional response systems. The bloc has also activated its mobile laboratory network to support testing and surveillance along border areas.
Recent reports indicate global health agencies are increasingly concerned about the outbreak’s trajectory. The WHO has described the situation as a serious regional health threat, while Africa CDC officials warned that the absence of licensed therapeutics for the Bundibugyo strain increases the urgency of coordinated action.
Ebola Virus Disease is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials and infected animals. Symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and, in severe cases, internal or external bleeding.
The EAC appealed to the public to remain calm, follow official health guidance and report suspected symptoms immediately to medical authorities.
