The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on 15 May 2026 after health authorities confirmed cases caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Ituri Province. The outbreak rapidly escalated from eight confirmed and 246 suspected cases reported at declaration to more than 1,000 suspected cases by late May. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency on 17 May.
Unlike the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, Bundibugyo virus has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment, creating significant challenges for outbreak control. The outbreak is unfolding in a context of protracted conflict, mass displacement, weak health infrastructure and high population mobility, all of which complicate surveillance, contact tracing and access to care. As of June 7 2026, the Centre for Public Health Emergency Operations reported 550 laboratory-confirmed cases, 101 confirmed deaths and 94 suspected cases, following a major review that ruled out hundreds of initially suspected cases. Cases have been reported across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in DRC, with cross-border spread also recorded in Uganda, which has 11 confirmed cases.
Lack of information, misinformation and mistrust among communities have hindered the response from the start. Media and health actors have documented widespread fear, distrust of authorities, misinformation about the origins of the disease, and rumours that Ebola was created or introduced by outside actors.
Recent work by Ground Truth Solutions shows existing distrust of humanitarian activities in DRC due to feelings of exclusion and a lack of transparency. There have been attacks on health facilities, resistance to treatment, cases of families removing suspected patients from care and conflict over burial measures. Evidence from earlier outbreaks shows that meaningful community engagement, systematic feedback collection and trusted local intermediaries can improve acceptance of public health measures and strengthen outbreak control.
Via telephone surveys, we spoke to 391 people in Ebola-affected areas of Ituri between 3 and 5 June 2026. We asked about their key concerns, perceptions of and their suggestions and advocacy messages on the Ebola outbreak and response. Of the 391 people we spoke to 79 (20%) were women and 312 (80%) were men. Respondents were aged 18 to 78 with a median age of 34. 81% were living where they are normally resident, 16% were displaced people and 3% were returnees.