Investigation Places Start of Ebola Outbreak in January, Before Official Alert

Kinshasa, July 31, 2026 - An inquiry concluded that the Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak began in January, well before the official public alert and May confirmation in Ituri.

Earlier undetected circulation helps explain why the epidemic had already seeded multiple provinces by the time national and international surge capacity fully mobilised.

Health authorities face questions about surveillance gaps in mining and conflict zones.

This detail was included in the mid-to-late July DRC briefing.