Ebola Outbreak in Congo: 101 Confirmed Cases, 10 African Nations on High Alert

The health situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has once again drawn global attention. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported a significant rise in Ebola cases as monitoring in the region has been tightened. As of Sunday (24 May), health authorities have identified over 900 suspected cases, with 101 confirmed via laboratory tests. This increase has raised concerns about potential wider spread if strict isolation protocols are not promptly implemented. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a formal warning about cross-border transmission risks, noting the outbreak in Uganda has heightened regional threat levels. Africa CDC Director Jean Kaseya stated during a virtual press briefing on Saturday (23 May) that population mobility and geographic proximity are key factors driving this risk. WHO and Africa CDC are coordinating with local governments to strengthen border screening systems, with enhancing laboratory capacity and medical readiness in 10 at-risk countries prioritised to prevent the outbreak escalating into a continental health crisis. The DRC national team has confirmed it will proceed with preparations for the 2026 World Cup despite US quarantine warnings over the Ebola outbreak. The US CDC has officially banned foreign nationals from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan for 30 days to prevent Ebola spread. Indonesia’s Health Ministry has heightened vigilance at entry points following WHO’s Ebola emergency declaration in DRC. No cases have been detected in Indonesia so far, with the CDC also strengthening coordination with airlines, international partners, and border officials.