In eastern DR Congo, a renewed Ebola outbreak involving the rare Bundibugyo strain is moving through communities while authorities confront widespread mistrust. Health officials say the outbreak is concentrated in Ituri province and was officially confirmed on 15 May, after weeks during which cases reportedly spread without detection. Some residents dismiss official warnings and instead describe the outbreak as a “Western conspiracy,” hampering public cooperation. Reports also describe skepticism toward health workers, attacks on responders, and the circulation of false or misleading information.
Congolese health authorities report that at least 63 people have died, with confirmed case counts reported in the high hundreds. While one outlet cites 381 confirmed cases, another cites 397, reflecting updates from monitoring efforts.
To address rumors, a radio station in Bunia, Radio Television Mont Bleu, airs a daily 45-minute program that shares verified guidance, provides regular outbreak updates, and fields questions from specialists. In parallel, authorities and partners also run an online effort aimed at countering misinformation and improving compliance with containment measures.
Overall, the campaigns focus on communicating accurate information to residents as the response continues.
