Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have imposed new travel restrictions, including suspending commercial, private, and special flights to the eastern city of Bunia, as an Ebola outbreak continues to spread across multiple provinces.

The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has resulted in 91 confirmed infections, 867 suspected cases, and 204 probable deaths as of Friday, according to health officials.

Public health response efforts are under significant strain, with only about one-fifth of 1,745 identified contacts successfully traced, a gap the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has described as alarming.

The situation is further complicated by shortages of essential resources such as personal protective equipment, treatment facilities, and laboratory supplies, despite international funding pledges.

Health experts note that there is currently no approved vaccine or antibody treatment for this strain, forcing responders to rely heavily on basic infection prevention measures, community engagement, and behavioural change campaigns to slow transmission.

The outbreak has also prompted concern beyond Congo’s borders, with Uganda reporting five linked cases and regional health ministers coordinating cross-border containment efforts with the World Health Organization and Africa CDC.

International responses include enhanced screening measures in the United States for travellers from affected countries and emergency funding commitments.Aid agencies are also addressing logistical needs, including a reported $319 million requirement for regional response efforts.

However, challenges persist on the ground, including cultural resistance to safe burial practices and occasional community unrest, such as clashes near Bunia that disrupted treatment operations.

Health leaders emphasise the need for stronger community involvement, particularly through local and religious leaders, to improve compliance and trust in public health measures as the outbreak continues to evolve.