Ebola outbreak in DR Congo kills at least 131 as cases spread across region

At least 131 deaths have been reported in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 513 suspected cases, according to local officials.

A government spokesman said infections are now being recorded across a wider geographic area, raising concerns about further spread. Cases have been identified in multiple locations, including Nyakunde in Ituri Province, Butembo in North Kivu, and the city of Goma, BBC reports.

There are also two confirmed cases and one death in Uganda, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak—caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus—an international emergency, warning it could develop into a far larger epidemic, though it does not meet the criteria of a pandemic.

As the outbreak expands, Congolese authorities say response teams are working to trace infections and contain the spread.

"We don't want people infected because of funerals,” said Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC said the risk to the United States remains relatively low but confirmed it is implementing precautionary measures, including monitoring travellers from affected regions and strengthening airport screening and hospital preparedness. The US has also issued a Level Four travel advisory, its highest warning level, advising against travel to the DR Congo.

The CDC said it is supporting the evacuation of a small number of US citizens from the affected area but did not confirm details. Medical reports indicate an American doctor working in the DR Congo has tested positive for Ebola and is expected to be transferred abroad for treatment, with some sources suggesting Germany as a possible destination.

Aid organisations said several other health workers, including the doctor’s spouse, are in quarantine after potential exposure, while reports suggest multiple US nationals may have been affected.

Health authorities are also urging neighbouring countries, including Uganda and Rwanda, to strengthen border screening and surveillance measures as concerns grow over regional transmission.

The WHO has warned that without vaccines or effective treatments widely available, strict public health measures—including safe burial practices—remain critical to preventing further infections.

By Sabina Mammadli