Congo declares 17th Ebola epidemic after 80 deaths in Ituri — Sunday 17 May 2026The Democratic Republic of Congo has declared its seventeenth Ebola outbreak after health officials confirmed 80 deaths and 246 suspected cases in Ituri province. The current epidemic involves the Bundibugyo strain, which is less common than the Zaire variant that drove previous crises but still carries significant risks of rapid transmission in areas with limited medical infrastructure. Authorities have already begun contact tracing and isolation measures to contain the spread in affected communities near the Ugandan border. Ituri has faced repeated health emergencies in recent years, including conflict-related displacement that complicates vaccination campaigns and surveillance efforts. Local health workers report shortages of protective equipment and difficulties reaching remote villages, factors that have historically allowed Ebola to gain ground before international support arrives. The Bundibugyo strain’s appearance adds new urgency, as existing vaccines and treatments were primarily developed for other variants. Global health organizations are monitoring the situation closely, given Congo’s central location and regular cross-border movement with neighboring countries. Past outbreaks demonstrated how quickly the virus can travel through air travel and trade routes if containment fails early. International partners, including the World Health Organization, are expected to provide additional laboratory capacity and logistical support to help local teams prevent wider regional implications.Watch the full video from Reuters below.