2026 Ebola outbreak in Central Africa epidemic Written by Kara Rogers Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. She joined Britannica in 2006 and... Kara Rogers Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated May 29, 2026 •History 2026 Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, sudden, escalating spread of Ebola virus disease centered in the Ituri province in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that was first detected in April 2026 and was caused by Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola virus. The outbreak was confirmed on May 15, 2026, by the DRC’s Ministry of Health. Two days later the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency of international...

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