DRC Ebola Outbreak Hits 1,307 Cases and 377 Deaths — Third-Largest on Record

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has grown to 1,307 confirmed cases and 377 deaths as of June 30, 2026, making it the third-largest Ebola epidemic in recorded history. The DRC's National Institute of Public Health also reported a slightly higher figure of 1,333 confirmed cases and 399 deaths in an updated count from June 29, with the variations reflecting different reporting dates.

Bundibugyo Strain and Cross-Border Spread

The outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026, after laboratory tests confirmed infection by the Bundibugyo virus — a type of Ebola pathogen — in northeastern DRC and Uganda's capital, Kampala. The Bundibugyo strain is distinct from the more commonly known Zaire strain that caused the 2014–16 West Africa epidemic. Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths, as of June 30.

Deadlier and Faster Than Predecessors

The current outbreak's trajectory has alarmed global health officials. It took just 37 days to reach 250 deaths — compared to 78 days during the 2014–16 West Africa outbreak. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs described the first month of the outbreak as a record in terms of case numbers.

International Response

The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The CDC and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have activated response protocols and are providing technical support to DRC and Uganda. Vaccination campaigns and contact-tracing operations are ongoing in affected provinces. Follow Health for the latest updates.