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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 13, 2026Miami-Dade

Ebola outbreak spreads to sixth province in Congo as health worker strikes hinder response

The current Ebola outbreak has reached Bas-Uele province following a death in the capital city of Buta, marking the sixth province affected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Health officials report that the virus is spreading at an alarming rate, with contact tracing efforts currently failing to keep pace with new infections.

EbolaPublic HealthDemocratic Republic of the CongoDisease OutbreakHealthcare Workers
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Why It Matters

The outbreak is the fastest-growing in history, currently impacting six provinces and threatening to surpass previous death tolls while facing significant logistical and labor-related obstacles.

Key Facts

  • The Ebola outbreak has spread to a sixth province, Bas-Uele, following a death in the capital, Buta.
  • The current outbreak has resulted in over 2,100 deaths out of more than 4,500 recorded cases.
  • Approximately 90% of all cases and 80% of deaths are concentrated in Ituri province.
  • Health workers at the Nizi Treatment Center in Ituri went on strike due to three months of unpaid salaries, leading to the center's closure.
  • The outbreak began in February, months earlier than the official declaration date of May 15.
  • Between 60% and 70% of new cases are occurring outside of monitored contact groups.
  • Clinical trials for two potential treatments for the Bundibugyo virus began last month in Ituri.
  • Two vaccines specifically for the Bundibugyo virus are currently being tested in humans for the first time.
  • Africa CDC is supporting the use of the Ervebo vaccine, originally authorized for the Zaire Ebola strain, as a potential cross-protection measure.

Who's Mentioned

personJean-Jacques Muyembe“Head of Congo’s National Institute for Biomedical Research”organizationMercy Corps“Aid group monitoring the outbreak footprint”personJean Kaseya“Director general of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention”organizationWorld Health Organization“International health agency monitoring the outbreak”locationIturi“Province with the highest concentration of cases”locationBas-Uele“Province where the latest Ebola death was recorded”organizationAfrica Centres for Disease Control and Prevention“Regional health agency involved in response”