Volume 16, Issue 2: 2026 - Article 233

Abstract
Ebola virus disease (EVD) remains one of the most significant emerging zoonotic threats in sub-Saharan Africa, with recurrent outbreaks continuing to challenge regional health security, economic stability and public health preparedness, culminating in topical global health concern. This review examines the historical background of the previous and current outbreaks, the evolving epidemiological trends, transmission dynamics of zoonotic and human to human transmissions, preparedness gaps challenging health system, and One Health implications of Ebola virus disease across Africa with emphasis on Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The findings highlighted indicate that reactive outbreak responses alone are insufficient for long-term epidemic prevention. Sustainable control of EVD and other emerging zoonotic diseases in Africa will require sustained political commitment, nationally driven preparedness programmes, resilient health systems, scientific investment, regional collaboration and fully operational One Health implementation frameworks capable of supporting early detection, rapid response and long-term public health resilience.

Keywords: Ebola virus disease; Zoonosis; One Health approach; Outbreak preparedness; Sub-Saharan Africa; Global health security.


How to cite this article:
Otuh PI, Ugwueke IV, Unigwe UC, Igwe RI, Nwaezza Ugwu AE and Otta NM (2026). Evolving epidemiological patterns of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Implications for preparedness and One Health systems in Africa – A review. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 16(2): 1534 – 1552.

*Correspondence: E-mail:     Otuhpi@dufuhs.edu.ng     Phone: +2348037509237

Evolving epidemiological patterns of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Implications for preparedness and One Health systems in Africa – A review

Patricia I. Otuh* ^{1, 2}, Ifeoma V. Ugwueke ¹, Udoka C. Unigwe ¹, Reginald I. Igwe ³, Anna E. Nwaezza Ugwu ⁴, Nnenna M. Otta ^5
1 Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Nigeria.
² Institute of One Health for Zoonotic Disease Research and Animal Production, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Nigeria.
³ Department of Biochemistry and Animal Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria.
⁴ Department of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
⁵ Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria.

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