The Democratic Republic of the Congo is battling its worst Ebola outbreak on record, with the World Health Organization warning that the rapidly escalating health crisis now poses a significant public health emergency.
According to the WHO, the outbreak—caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus—has resulted in 3,605 confirmed infections and 1,587 deaths as of July 30, 2026, representing a fatality rate of approximately 44 per cent.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the global health agency said the outbreak has entered a more dangerous phase, characterised by sustained community transmission, a sharp rise in infections and deaths, and an expanding geographic spread across the country.
The WHO described the situation as the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, surpassing the devastating 2018–2020 epidemic, which recorded nearly 3,500 confirmed cases and about 2,300 deaths.
The current outbreak was officially declared on May 15, 2026, after health authorities confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in the country.
Health officials also reported a dramatic increase in the pace of transmission. During the past week alone, the country recorded 567 new confirmed cases and 296 deaths—the highest weekly figures since the outbreak began.
The WHO warned that the growing number of infections, rising mortality rate and widening geographic spread underscore the urgent need to significantly strengthen response efforts to contain the disease.
The outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri Province, a northeastern region bordering Uganda and South Sudan, raising concerns over the possibility of cross-border transmission as population movement continues across the region.
The organisation further noted that insecurity, the displacement of communities and frequent cross-border travel are complicating containment measures, increasing the likelihood of the virus spreading to neighbouring countries if urgent interventions are not intensified.
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