The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) finds itself once again at the forefront of the fight against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), navigating a challenging public health landscape. After successfully containing its 16th Ebola outbreak, the nation now faces the emergence of a 17th, posing renewed concerns for health authorities and communities both within its borders and in neighboring countries like Uganda. ## Understanding Ebola Virus Disease Ebola is a severe, often fatal illness in humans and non-human primates, caused by the Ebola virus. It is transmitted to people from wild animals and then spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g., bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. Symptoms typically begin with a sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Effective public health responses involve rapid detection, isolation of cases, contact tracing, safe burial practices, community engagement, and vaccination where available. ## DRC's 16th Ebola Outbreak: A Victory Against the Zaire Strain The 16th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo was officially declared on September 4, 2025, originating in Kasai Province. This particular outbreak involved the Zaire strain of the Ebola virus, for which a licensed vaccine exists. Over its duration, 64 individuals were affected (53 confirmed and 11 probable cases), and tragically, 45 lives were lost. The outbreak's main hotspots were concentrated in the Bulape and Dikolo health areas, which accounted for a significant 78% of all reported cases. Crucially, robust vaccination efforts played a pivotal role in controlling the spread, reaching 47,577 individuals. Through a concerted and coordinated response from national health authorities and international partners, the outbreak was contained. On December 1, 2025, the Government of the DRC proudly declared the outbreak over, signifying the successful completion of the standard 42-day surveillance period following the discharge of the last confirmed patient from an Ebola Treatment Centre. ## Transition to Vigilance: Post-Outbreak Surveillance While the immediate crisis of the 16th outbreak concluded, the threat of re-emergence always looms with Ebola. To mitigate this risk, a critical 90-day plan for enhanced post-epidemic surveillance was immediately implemented in Kasai Province and its surrounding regions, extending from December 2025 to February 2026. This period is vital for detecting any potential flare-ups and ensuring that communities remain safe. The Democratic Republic of Congo Red Cross (DRC Red Cross), with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), remained a central player during this transition. Their focus shifted to sustaining strong community engagement, actively monitoring for any new cases, supporting survivors, and maintaining robust preparedness structures. The operational strategy was revised to align with government priorities, emphasizing community-level readiness, strengthened surveillance, improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices, enhanced infection prevention and control (IPC) standards, ensuring trusted communication, and providing ongoing support for survivors. This forward-thinking approach also integrated long-term preparedness and readiness for any future outbreaks, fostering resilience. ## A New Challenge: The 17th Outbreak Emerges in Ituri Just as the DRC was consolidating its recovery from the 16th outbreak, a new and alarming situation unfolded. As of May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Health, alongside the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC), reported the emergence of the country's 17th Ebola outbreak. This new crisis is centered in the eastern Ituri province, primarily affecting the Mongwalu, Bunia, and Rwampara Health zones. This outbreak has already seen a significant number of suspected cases, reaching approximately 246, with over 80 deaths. Laboratory testing has confirmed 13 cases of Ebola, specifically linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. This strain presents a unique set of challenges compared to previous outbreaks in the DRC. ## Distinguishing Strains: The Bundibugyo Vaccine Gap A critical distinction of the 17th outbreak is the identification of the Bundibugyo strain. Unlike the Zaire strain, for which a highly effective licensed vaccine is available and was successfully used in the 16th outbreak, there is currently no specific licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. This absence significantly complicates the response, making traditional public health measures—such as rigorous contact tracing, isolation, safe burials, and robust community awareness—even more paramount. Humanitarian and health partners are particularly worried about several factors exacerbating this new outbreak. These include the high levels of population movement across borders, persistent insecurity in the region caused by armed groups, already weak health infrastructure, and inherent challenges in effectively implementing surveillance and contact tracing activities in such a volatile environment. ## Regional Cooperation and Cross-Border Risks The 17th Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province immediately raised alarms for neighboring countries, given the significant cross-border movement of people. Uganda, which shares a border with the DRC, quickly confirmed one imported fatal Ebola case directly linked to the ongoing outbreak in Ituri. The case involved a 59-year-old Congolese man who tragically died in a Kampala hospital. However, Ugandan authorities swiftly confirmed that there was no local transmission within Uganda at the time of the announcement, indicating effective initial containment. In response, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners including the Uganda Red Cross Society, activated comprehensive preparedness and surveillance measures, especially in border districts like Kiryandongo. Volunteers trained in community-based surveillance have been deployed to monitor and report any potential alerts, drawing on Uganda's substantial prior experience in managing Ebola outbreaks, including the major 2022–2023 Sudan virus outbreak. This regional interconnectedness underscores the need for robust, coordinated efforts involving the DRC Ministry of Health, WHO, Africa CDC, IFRC, Uganda, and other partners. These collaborations focus on strengthening surveillance, contact tracing, logistics, safe burial practices, community engagement, and rapid response readiness across the wider Great Lakes region to prevent broader regional spread. ## The Enduring Role of Community Engagement and Preparedness Across both outbreaks, a consistent theme is the critical importance of community engagement. Gaining the trust and cooperation of local populations is essential for everything from reporting suspected cases and accepting safe burial practices to participating in vaccination campaigns and adhering to prevention guidelines. Local Red Cross volunteers in both the DRC and Uganda are instrumental in bridging the gap between health authorities and communities, delivering vital information and support on the ground. Long-term preparedness remains a cornerstone of managing Ebola in endemic regions. This involves not just emergency response plans but also strengthening routine health services, improving basic infrastructure, and fostering health literacy within communities. The continuous cycles of outbreaks highlight the need for sustained investment in public health systems that can withstand and respond to such complex health emergencies. ## Looking Ahead: Sustaining Health Security The dual challenges presented by the 16th and 17th Ebola outbreaks in the DRC demonstrate the persistent threat of this viral disease. While the successful containment of the Kasai outbreak offers a testament to effective public health interventions and vaccination, the emergence of the Bundibugyo strain in Ituri, without a specific vaccine, underscores the evolving complexities and the critical need for adaptability. Sustained regional and international cooperation, robust surveillance, and unwavering community support will be paramount in mitigating the impact of the current outbreak and building stronger health security for the future in the DRC and its neighbors.