Ebola in DRC: new health campaign aims to stop virus spread at home and abroad

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced on Thursday, 25 June 2026, a significant reinforcement of its response system against Ebola virus disease, following concerns raised by a recently confirmed case in France involving a humanitarian doctor who had stayed in an epidemic zone in DRC.

In an official statement, the Congolese executive described the situation as a “serious health alert signal” and vowed to prevent any chain of transmission that could cross national borders. Authorities said the measure is part of a strategy of maximum prevention, in line with international health security recommendations.

Strict 21-day quarantine for travellers from risk areas

The main announced measure concerns now the mobility of people coming from Ebola-affected areas. Anyone who has stayed in an outbreak zone must undergo a mandatory 21-day isolation period, corresponding to the maximum incubation period of the virus.

This quarantine applies both to internal travel and international journeys. According to health authorities, the measure aims to “cut off any possibility of silent spread” and strengthen monitoring of suspected cases, especially those that do not immediately show symptoms.

The Ministry of Health stresses that this strategy is based on an enhanced precautionary approach, in a context where international mobility can accelerate the spread of highly infectious diseases.

The doctor case in France at the centre of concerns

The decision comes after French health authorities confirmed an Ebola case in a doctor who recently worked in an affected area in DRC. The patient was placed in isolation as soon as the virus was detected, and an epidemiological investigation was immediately launched.

According to initial information, the doctor showed no apparent symptoms during his journey from Ituri province to Kinshasa before leaving the country. This situation raises questions about the difficulty of detecting some cases in the pre-symptomatic phase, despite control measures at entry points.

French authorities have activated emergency protocols and begun contact tracing, while assessing the risk level for the general population, currently considered “low but under surveillance”.

DRC–France cooperation and contact tracing

In a spirit of transparency and international coordination, Kinshasa said it has formally contacted French authorities to share travel data and medical information related to the patient.

This collaboration aims to trace all possible contacts on Congolese soil and strengthen the epidemiological monitoring chain. It falls under the International Health Regulations (IHR), which require states to cooperate in the event of a cross-border health threat.

The Congolese government insists on the need for rapid and structured information exchange to limit any risk of secondary spread.

National multi-sectoral response strengthened

At the national level, health authorities indicate that the response is being intensified in affected areas, particularly in Ituri. Medical teams are mobilised to strengthen community surveillance, care for suspected cases, and raise awareness among local populations.

Enhanced health control measures are also being considered at strategic transit points, including airports and major transport routes, to limit unsupervised travel.

The government also calls on community leaders, the media and civil society to play an active role in awareness-raising, especially about symptoms and prevention measures.

Appeal for vigilance and international coordination

Congolese authorities recall that the fight against Ebola also depends on public trust and the speed of reporting suspected cases. They urge citizens to avoid stigmatising patients and to cooperate with health teams.

As the World Health Organization continues to closely monitor the situation, the DRC affirms it remains on maximum alert and determined to contain any extension of the epidemic.

In this context, Kinshasa relies on a combination of strict measures, international cooperation and community mobilisation to sustainably stem the threat and prevent any spread beyond national borders.