Your support means that faith leaders can respond in their communities, where they are dispelling myths and making sure our neighbours understand how the Ebola virus is transmitted, how it is treated and how to prevent infection
Your support means that faith leaders can respond in their communities, where they are dispelling myths and making sure our neighbours understand how the Ebola virus is transmitted, how it is treated and how to prevent infection
Our neighbours in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are suffering through an Ebola outbreak, with over 400 suspected cases and 100 deaths already from this very dangerous disease.
Our expert, local partners have the experience to respond to this outbreak and are relying on your support to help the communities affected quickly.
CAFOD Director Christine Allen was in DRC during the previous outbreak of Ebola there. She told us:
"I've seen first-hand that halting the spread of this appalling disease requires a massive effort, on the part of the international community as well as the Congolese people and health authorities. What is critical is building trust within communities, meaning that the work of our local Church partners is essential."
The Ebola virus outbreak was declared on 15 May 2026.
Ituri province, in the north-east of the country, is the epicentre of the outbreak with over 400 suspected cases and over 100 deaths reported.
One case has also been reported in Goma and as a result the border of Gisenyi and Bukavu has been closed.
The situation is being monitored closely and the threat of a regional spread is a major concern.
In 2015 donations from CAFOD supporters helped burial teams in Sierra Leone provide safe and dignified burials and contain the spread of Ebola
CAFOD’s partners have experience responding to Ebola outbreaks.
When the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2018, CAFOD responded at the height of the disease. Thanks to donations from CAFOD supporters, our networks of Church aid workers and volunteers delivered:
life-saving prevention information
hygiene kits and food to quarantined and vulnerable families
safe and dignified burials and training
outbreak prevention kits.
Your donation today means we can quickly respond to the new outbreak.
The Ebola virus disease is a severe acute viral illness. Its symptoms include:
fever
intense weakness
muscle pain
headache
sore throat.
This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and, in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.
The Ebola virus first emerged in Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 and it is thought to infect humans through contact with infected animals, including chimpanzees, fruit bats and forest antelope.
There are different strains of Ebola. The current strain identified in DRC is caused by the Bundibugyo virus and has no vaccine.
The most commonly used treatment is to keep the patient hydrated, as is the case with most fevers. Patients have a better chance of survival if they are diagnosed early and receive early treatment.
The virus is transmitted between humans via bodily fluids and via surfaces that a sick person has come into contact with: for example, bed sheets or shared towels. Even funeral ceremonies for Ebola victims can cause risks if mourners have direct contact with the bodies of infected people.
By following a few important procedures, the spread of the Ebola virus can usually be stopped relatively easily. Patients need to be kept in isolation, and their nurses or visitors must wear protective suits or avoid coming into direct contact with them.
One reason that the virus has previously spread so extensively in West Africa is a widespread fear and lack of trust in the advice given on Ebola prevention. Many people don’t have access to reliable information, and high death rates and stigmatisation make people afraid to take their loved ones to hospitals, even if medical facilities are available.
