DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes largest in country's history

DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes largest in country's history

The World Health Organization warned on August 1, 2026, that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is intensifying at an exceptional pace. The health agency stated that this is now the largest recorded Ebola virus disease outbreak in the country.

According to the WHO, 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths had been reported in the DRC as of July 30, 2026. This indicates a case fatality rate of 44 per cent.

The current crisis has surpassed the previous record set between 2018 and 2020, when nearly 2,300 people died out of almost 3,500 recorded cases. The WHO noted in a statement posted on X that the outbreak is intensifying, with sustained transmission and continued increases in reported cases and deaths.

Recent data highlights the speed of the spread. During the past week, the outbreak reached its highest weekly total, with 567 cases and 296 deaths.

Strain and Treatment Challenges

The outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026. It is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine. Ebola causes haemorrhagic fever and spreads through contact with bodily fluids. Over the last 50 years, the virus has killed more than 15,000 people across Africa.

While no approved options exist, two separate vaccine efforts are underway:

• On July 30, 2026, the WHO announced that the most promising vaccine to fight the outbreak will be developed by Hilleman Laboratories, based in Singapore.
• In the United Kingdom, Oxford University is developing a different Bundibugyo vaccine. A first volunteer received the first dose of this jab under a clinical trial last week.

Geographical Spread and Conflict

The center of the outbreak is located in the northeastern Ituri province, which borders Uganda and South Sudan. However, the virus has expanded into four other provinces. This includes North Kivu and South Kivu, regions where the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group controls provincial capitals and large swathes of land.

The WHO stated that the convergence of insecurity, population displacement and mobility, and cross-border movements complicate response operations and increase the risk of further geographical spread.

International Reach

The virus has moved beyond the borders of the DRC. There have been 20 reported cases in Uganda and one case in France. Additionally, two cases diagnosed in the DRC were later treated in Germany.

The WHO is calling for a significant scaling-up of the health response to manage the escalating transmission and the risks posed by regional instability.