The Democratic Republic of Congo said confirmed Ebola deaths have risen above 100 as armed groups continue to complicate efforts to contain an outbreak affecting conflict-hit regions of the country.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, was announced on May 15 after health officials said the virus had likely circulated undetected for weeks, leaving authorities struggling to respond.
The disease is spreading across three provinces long affected by armed conflict: Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
A Ugandan medical worker stands at the doffing area during a visit by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the Mulago National Referral Hospital Isolation Unit, as aid agencies intensify efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo Virus, in Mulago suburb, of Kampala, Uganda June 8, 2026. REUTERS/ Abubaker Lubowa
Confirmed cases continue to rise
In its latest situation report released on Monday, Congo’s government said 35 new confirmed cases had been recorded in the previous 24 hours, including 10 deaths.
The figures brought the total number of confirmed cases to 550 and confirmed deaths to 101, according to the report.
Cases have been detected in 17 health zones in Ituri province, as well as seven health zones in North Kivu and one in South Kivu.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported slightly different figures earlier on Monday, saying Congo had recorded 544 confirmed cases and 88 deaths.
A Ugandan worker collects rubber gumboots from the airing line during a visit by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the Mulago National Referral Hospital Isolation Unit, as aid agencies intensify efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo Virus, in Mulago suburb, of Kampala, Uganda June 8, 2026. REUTERS/ Abubaker Lubowa
Armed groups disrupt Ebola response
Health authorities said the response has been affected by mistrust, resistance and attacks targeting medical teams.
Burial teams and treatment centers have faced difficulties operating in some areas. A source familiar with the government response said the latest attack happened on Sunday at the Nyamurongo cemetery in Bunia, where a burial team was targeted.
The incident left two people seriously injured and damaged two vehicles.
A Ugandan worker collects a rubber glove from the airing line during a visit by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the Mulago National Referral Hospital Isolation Unit, as aid agencies intensify efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo Virus, in Mulago suburb, of Kampala, Uganda, June 8, 2026. REUTERS/ Abubaker Lubowa
The government said armed groups operating in Djugu, Irumu and Mambasa in Ituri province were continuing to restrict humanitarian access in several affected and high-risk areas.
Despite the challenges, officials said the provincial capital, Bunia, remained relatively calm.
Health officials face difficult outbreak response
The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is Congo’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak and has become a major public health challenge in areas already affected by insecurity.
Health workers have been working to contain transmission while facing limited access to some communities due to the presence of armed groups.
