DR Congo Ebola Death Toll Hits 131 As Outbreak Spreads Across Region

The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo has claimed at least 131 lives as health officials warn the virus is spreading into new regions and neighbouring countries.

Authorities said more than 513 suspected infections have been recorded, with confirmed cases now identified in Nyakunde in Ituri Province, Butembo in North Kivu and the eastern city of Goma.

The outbreak has also spread into Uganda, where officials confirmed two Ebola infections and one death.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international health emergency, warning that the scale of infections could be significantly larger than currently detected.

Health officials said the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.

An American doctor working in eastern Congo, identified by missionary organisation Serge as Peter Stafford, was among those infected. He is reportedly being evacuated to Germany for treatment after testing positive for the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said several other Americans exposed during the outbreak are also being monitored and evacuated from the region.

The agency announced tighter screening measures for travellers arriving from affected countries and advised against non-essential travel to DR Congo.

Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya urged communities to comply with public health guidelines, particularly during burial ceremonies, warning that unsafe funeral practices had contributed to previous Ebola outbreaks.

Neighbouring countries including Rwanda and Nigeria said they were strengthening border surveillance and health screening measures amid growing fears of regional transmission.

The latest outbreak has revived memories of the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic, which killed more than 11,000 people across the region.