At least 120 people have died in an outbreak of a rare strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with hundreds more suspected cases, according to health officials. Authorities say the situation is evolving rapidly and more infections are expected to be identified in the coming weeks.

The government has announced plans to establish three new treatment centres in eastern Ituri province, while the World Health Organization is deploying expert teams to support the emergency response.

Health experts say the outbreak went undetected for weeks because early testing procedures screened for the wrong strain of the virus, leading to false negatives and delays in response.

The first death linked to the outbreak was recorded on April 24 in Bunia, but Ebola was only confirmed on May 14, with the Bundibugyo strain identified a day later.

Officials report that the virus has spread across several areas, including Bunia, Goma, Mongbwalu, Butembo and Nyakunde, due to delayed detection and limited surveillance.

More than 300 suspected cases have been reported across Ituri and North Kivu provinces, along with 120 confirmed deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo and at least one death in neighbouring Uganda.

Experts warn that the number of cases may increase significantly as surveillance and testing efforts improve in affected regions.

The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccines or specific treatments are currently available.

The virus spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids and causes symptoms including fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.

Health authorities have intensified response measures, including the opening of new treatment centres, increased cross-border screening, and expanded disease surveillance in high-risk areas.

Humanitarian concerns are also rising, as the region already faces conflict, displacement, and limited healthcare infrastructure, with more than 270,000 people displaced in Ituri province alone.

Officials describe the situation as highly concerning, warning that the delayed response and lack of vaccines are making containment efforts more difficult.