Ebola Outbreak Kills 131 in DRC, WHO Declares International Emergency

DRC Ebola death toll rises to 131 from 513 suspected cases, with WHO declaring international health emergency May 17. The Bundibugyo strain outbreak, centered in northeastern Ituri province near Uganda and South Sudan borders, has spread to North Kivu province and crossed international borders.

Confirmed cases now include commercial hub Butembo (200km from epicentre) and key city Goma. Health minister Samuel Roger Kamba warns the toll remains an estimate as limited laboratory testing confirms only suspected cases. No vaccine exists for this strain.

Mining activities in the border region increase transmission risk as people regularly cross between countries. Community resistance due to belief the illness is 'mystical' has slowed containment efforts. WHO warns the outbreak already exceeds previous 15,000 African deaths from Ebola over past half century.

Travelers from affected regions should monitor symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if fever or bleeding occurs. Nigerian health authorities have not issued travel restrictions as of this report.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/05/19/estimated-dr-congo-ebola-death-toll-jumps-to-131/