Ebola Outbreak Escalates in DRC and Uganda Amid Attacks on Treatment Centers

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has intensified, with recent attacks on treatment centers exacerbating the crisis. In Mongbwalu, Ituri Province, unidentified assailants set fire to a tent used for treating Ebola patients, leading to the escape of 18 suspected cases into the community. Dr. Richard Lokudi, director of the Mongbwalu General Reference Hospital, reported that the incident caused panic among hospital staff.

This attack follows a similar incident in Rwampara, where residents destroyed another treatment center after being denied access to the body of an Ebola victim. Health authorities emphasize that handling infected corpses poses significant risks, and communal burials are being conducted under strict security measures. In response to the escalating violence and mistrust, authorities have banned large gatherings and funeral wakes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. As of May 21, 2026, the DRC has reported 746 suspected cases and 176 deaths, with 83 confirmed cases and nine deaths. The outbreak has also affected Uganda, which has reported two confirmed cases and one death. The Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, responsible for this outbreak, currently has no approved vaccines or specific treatments.

The WHO has expressed deep concern over the scale and speed of the epidemic, noting that cases have been reported in major urban areas, including Uganda's capital, Kampala, and the city of Goma in the DRC. The organization emphasizes the need for international coordination to address the outbreak effectively.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has mobilized response activities following the confirmation of the outbreak. The CDC is actively working to support the needs of the DRC and Uganda, emphasizing that the risk to the American public remains low at this time.