A laboratory-confirmed case of mpox was reported in Bunia, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on 25 September 2026, where a devastating Ebola outbreak continues to rage. The patient, a 21-year-old woman, was admitted to hospital on Thursday showing lesions consistent with mpox and tested positive the following day, Reuters reported, quoting the director of the local hospital.
Davin Ambitapio Musungufu, hospital director, said: “The latest case involves a 21-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital on Thursday with lesions across her body consistent with mpox. She tested positive on Friday. Investigations are under way to trace contacts and identify the source of infection.”
A second suspect, a 32-year-old woman, is awaiting laboratory confirmation. Both women were isolated and are receiving care from a dedicated medical team as authorities trace contacts and probe the infection source.
Dr Adelard Lofungola told Reuters that five suspected mpox cases in Bunia are currently under investigation, although this claim has not been independently confirmed by a second primary source.
This emerging mpox case coincides with the ongoing Ebola epidemic declared in Ituri province on 15 May 2026. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 23 September, the outbreak had caused 7,890 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,799 deaths nationwide, with Ituri remaining the epicentre with 6,032 confirmed cases.
WHO also confirmed the spread of Ebola to two additional health zones, increasing the total affected zones to 63 across seven provinces, underscoring the scale of the crisis. ABC News independently reported that 28 of the 36 health zones in Ituri have recorded Ebola cases, emphasising that transmission remains widespread.
The convergence of mpox and an intense Ebola epidemic in the same city raises concerns about public health challenges facing the region. Experts stress that careful monitoring, contact tracing, and isolation remain critical to controlling the spread of these infectious diseases.
While Reuters provides detailed information on the mpox patient and the response measures in Bunia, the identity of the patient and the exact number of suspected cases remain unverified by additional primary sources. No local South African media or on-the-ground reporters have independently confirmed these details.
As Bunia battles two serious outbreaks, the pressure on local healthcare infrastructure intensifies amid resource constraints and ongoing community risks.
CapeFlats.co.za will continue monitoring international health updates and report on any developments affecting Southern Africa or the Cape Town region.