A schoolboy from the primary school in Biakato, a town in the Mambasa territory of Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has died after testing positive for Ebola. The news was announced on September 23, 2026, by Michel Nesapongo Ipunio, head of the Mambasa 2 education department. The boy's death has raised concerns about the risk of Ebola transmission in schools.
The situation was discussed during a meeting of the Mambasa sub-provincial education committee held in Biakato on September 22. Despite the risk, education authorities have decided to maintain school activities while strengthening prevention measures in schools. Teachers, students, and parents are urged to follow health guidelines and report any suspected cases to health services promptly.
The Mambasa 2 education department is calling for increased awareness and sensitization activities in schools to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission. The department is also requesting that the government and partners provide schools with handwashing devices and other necessary infection prevention and control supplies. This comes as schools in Mambasa 2 are working to return to normal operations after a disrupted start to the academic year due to insecurity.
This incident is not an isolated case, as four Ebola cases, including one death, have been reported among students in two schools in Bunia, Ituri province, in September. The provincial education committee, provincial health division, and partners have met to assess the situation and define measures to be taken. The incidents have sparked concerns about the spread of Ebola in schools and the need for swift action to prevent further transmission.
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo continues to spread, with new cases reported in various parts of the country. The situation in Mambasa and Bunia highlights the need for sustained vigilance and cooperation between education and health authorities to prevent the spread of the disease. The government and partners are working to contain the outbreak, but challenges persist in areas affected by insecurity and limited access to healthcare.
The death of the schoolboy in Biakato has underscored the need for continued awareness and education about Ebola prevention and control measures. The incident has also highlighted the importance of collaboration between schools, health services, and local authorities to prevent the spread of the disease. Efforts to strengthen infection prevention and control measures in schools are ongoing, with a focus on protecting students, teachers, and staff from the risk of Ebola transmission.
The DR Congo government, with support from international partners, continues to respond to the Ebola outbreak, which has affected several provinces. The situation remains closely monitored, with efforts focused on containing the outbreak, providing care to those affected, and preventing further transmission. Key measures include enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns, as well as community engagement and education to promote Ebola prevention and control practices.
Key points
- A schoolboy in DR Congo's Mambasa territory has died after testing positive for Ebola.
- Education authorities have decided to maintain school activities while strengthening prevention measures in schools.
- The incident highlights the need for sustained vigilance and cooperation between education and health authorities to prevent the spread of Ebola in schools.
