Transmission, symptoms, treatment: why is the Ebola epidemic affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo worrying?

This is the 17th epidemicebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the disease was identified in 1976. On Sunday, May 17, the World Health Organization triggered its second level of international alert in the face of the Ebola epidemic which hits the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A case of the disease has been confirmed in the city of Goma controlled by the anti-government armed group M23. This is the highest level in the face of an Ebola epidemic.

“The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), after consulting with the States Parties in which the event is currently occurring, determines that Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)but does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency, as defined in the IHR,” announces the WHO in a press release broadcast on X. Currently, the PHEIC is the second highest alert level of the WHO after the pandemic emergency.

Specifically, as of May 16, 2026, the WHO reports eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspicious deaths reported in Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo in at least three health zones. Two cases were laboratory confirmed with no apparent link between them and another case was reported on May 16. “At least four deaths among healthcare workers in a clinical context suggestive of viral hemorrhagic fever have been reported in the affected area, raising concerns about nosocomial transmission,” points out the WHO.

Generally, incubation is variable and can last between 2 and 21 days. Most of the time, patients suffer from fever, fatigue, malaise, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, details the WHO on its website. Then the virus causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, a rash, and symptoms of kidney and liver failure.

“Contrary to the perception that bleeding is a common symptom, it is less common and can occur at a more advanced stage of the disease. Some patients may develop internal and external bleeding, including blood in vomit and stools and bleeding from the nose, gums and vagina. Bleeding can also occur at the needle puncture points,” the World Health Organization explains. Some patients have an affected central nervous system, which can cause confusion, irritability and aggression.

The virus is transmitted to the human population after contact with bloodsecretions, organs or other biological fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelopes or porcupines found sick or dead or in the rainforest.

The WHO details that it is also possible for a person to be infected with the virus following direct contact with another person. In this case, the virus can be transmitted with blood or biological fluids, objects or surfaces contaminated with biological fluids from a sick person. “Infected people cannot transmit the disease until they develop symptoms, and they remain contagious as long as their blood contains the virus. (…) Burial ceremonies which involve direct contact with the body of the deceased person can also contribute to the transmission of the virus,” specifies the WHO.

Although Ebola virus disease is a rare disease, it is often fatal in humans. There exists three different known viruses to be the cause of major outbreaks of Ebola virus disease: Ebola virus, Sudan virus and Bundibugyo virus. “The average case fatality rate for this disease is around 50%. During previous outbreaks, rates have ranged from 25% to 90%,” reports the WHO. Before completing: “While there are approved vaccines and treatments for EVD, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for other Ebola virus diseases, such as Sudan virus disease or Bundibugyo virus disease. Several product candidates under development.”

“We have been seeing people die for two weeks”reported Isaac Nyakulinda, a representative of civil society from the town of Rwampara (Ituri), contacted by Agence Frande Presse. And added: “There is no place to isolate the sick. They die at home and their bodies are handled by their family members. » Between 2018 and 2020, the Democratic Republic of Congo experienced an Ebola epidemic with nearly 2,300 deaths and 3,500 patients.