More than 200 deaths have been reported due to the Ebola virus outbreak in Congo.

By May 23rd, the Democratic Republic of Congo had recorded 204 deaths out of a total of 867 suspected cases of Ebola. The situation became tense as the number of deaths and suspected cases surged, forcing the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global emergency.

The number of deaths continues to rise.

The world is once again holding its breath, watching the devastating developments from the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, where the virus is spreading at an alarming rate. As of May 23, 2026, the situation had spiraled out of local control as the number of deaths and suspected cases skyrocketed, forcing the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global emergency. Unlike previous outbreaks, the emergence of a rare variant and the ongoing security instability are making the fight against Ebola a severe test for regional and international health systems.

According to the latest update as of May 23rd, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recorded 204 deaths out of a total of 867 suspected cases. The outbreak is currently concentrated mainly in the eastern part of the country, originating in Ituri province and rapidly spreading to South Kivu – an area already heavily affected by prolonged armed conflict.

Although the WHO declared a global health emergency (PHEIC) on May 17 , the agency affirmed that the disease currently does not meet the criteria to be considered a global pandemic. However, the dangerous nature of the Bundibugyo strain and the risk of spreading to neighboring countries still keep the world on high alert.

In Vietnam, although no cases have been recorded yet, based on experience from previous outbreaks, closely monitoring developments in Central Africa and tightening border controls for people returning from affected areas is a top priority to protect the community from the Ebola virus.

Notably, the "ghost" of Ebola has crossed the border into Uganda. Ugandan health officials confirmed five cases, including one death, in the capital Kampala. The new cases include a driver who transported patients from Congo into Uganda, a healthcare worker exposed during treatment, and a woman from an affected area. The emergence of cases in the capital and the sacrifice of humanitarian volunteers in Ituri province demonstrate that the virus is silently infiltrating communities.

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have urged citizens to promptly report any suspected cases with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, fatigue, or bleeding so that they can be isolated and treated in a timely manner. (Source: NDTV)

A rare variant of the Ebola virus has emerged.

One of the reasons this outbreak is particularly dangerous is that the causative agent is the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. This is a rare variant of the Ebola virus with epidemiological characteristics very different from the previously common Zaire strain.

According to the Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Samuel Roger Kamba, the mortality rate of this strain can reach 50%. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Patients usually experience fever in the early stages, but the characteristic hemorrhagic symptoms appear later, making early detection and isolation extremely difficult. Experts believe the virus may have been silently spreading in the community for a long time before the first cases were officially confirmed.

The African Union (AU) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have issued a warning about the risk of the disease spreading to 10 other neighboring countries, including those with high trade volumes such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. The main reasons identified are high cross-border travel and security instability, which disrupts epidemiological control efforts.

To prevent a catastrophe, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo implemented drastic measures: All passenger flights to and from Bunia (the epicenter of the outbreak) were suspended, except for specially authorized humanitarian flights. A ban on large gatherings, funerals, and events with more than 50 people was also imposed in the northeastern region.

To avoid infection from corpses, all burials of Ebola victims must be conducted under strict security supervision.

Minister Samuel Roger Kamba emphasized that controlling Ebola at this time is not just a health task but "a matter for everyone." The government is working to regain control in unstable areas to deploy rapid response teams and trace contacts in key trading hubs such as the Mongwalu region.

Ebola Bundibugyo variant

Causative agent: Bundibugyovirus strain (belonging to the Ebola group).

Mortality rate: Very high, averaging around 50%.

Symptoms: High fever in the early stages; fatigue, vomiting; hemorrhagic symptoms (bleeding) usually appear later.

Treatment: Currently, there is no vaccine and no specific treatment drug has been licensed.

Mechanism of transmission: Direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, or through community activities (such as funerals).

Recommendation: Immediately notify health authorities if you experience any suspicious symptoms after returning from an affected area.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/ghi-nhan-hon-200-ca-tu-vong-do-virus-ebola-bung-phat-tai-congo-238260524132204077.htm