Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Is Country's Worst Ever, WHO Says

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country's recorded history, the World Health Organization confirmed on Saturday. As of July 30, authorities have registered 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths — a fatality rate of 44 percent.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was formally declared on May 15, 2026. It has now surpassed the previous worst outbreak in DR Congo, which took place between 2018 and 2020 and resulted in nearly 3,500 cases and more than 2,200 deaths.

No Approved Vaccine or Treatment

The Bundibugyo strain currently has no approved vaccine or treatment. Candidates are being developed by researchers in the United Kingdom and Singapore. On July 30, WHO announced that the most promising vaccine would be developed in Singapore.

The WHO described the situation as "intensifying," warning of "sustained transmission and continued increases in reported cases and deaths." During the most recent week, the outbreak recorded its highest weekly total: 567 new cases and 296 deaths. The agency warned these figures underscored "the exceptional pace of transmission."

Spread and Response Challenges

The epicenter of the outbreak is Ituri province in the country's northeast, bordering South Sudan and Uganda. The virus has also spread to the North and South Kivu provinces, large areas of which are controlled by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group.

The WHO cited insecurity, population displacement, and cross-border movement as factors complicating its response. Twenty cases have been reported in Uganda, one in France, and two patients from DR Congo received treatment in Germany.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids. Globally, the disease has killed approximately 15,000 people across Africa over the past five decades.