Ebola Outbreak in Congo Reaches 600 Deaths as Virus Spreads to New Provinces
5 verified4 unconfirmed
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s latest Ebola outbreak, first declared in May, has now recorded 1,759 confirmed cases and 600 deaths, according to government data. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has stated it is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on the continent. The disease, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists, has spread beyond its initial epicenter in Ituri province. Suspected cases have now been reported in the provinces of Tshopo and Haut-Uélé, signaling continued geographic expansion. Efforts to contain the outbreak have been complicated by ongoing armed conflict in eastern Congo, a sharp decline in humanitarian funding, and attacks on healthcare workers and treatment centers. The World Health Organization noted that the disease had been transmitting for weeks before authorities officially declared the outbreak on May 15.
What’s verified
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded 1,759 confirmed cases and 600 deaths as of July 8, 2026.
The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Suspected cases have been reported in the provinces of Tshopo and Haut-Uélé, beyond the original epicenter in Ituri.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has described the outbreak as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on the continent.
Multiple factors are hampering containment efforts, including ongoing armed conflict in eastern Congo, reduced humanitarian funding, and attacks on healthcare workers and treatment centers.
Not yet confirmed
The Guardian reports that the virus has also spread to Uganda, with 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. NPR’s article does not mention cases in Uganda.
The Guardian reports that 10 Red Cross volunteers have been attacked in the current outbreak, with four sustaining injuries. NPR does not mention this detail.
NPR reports that clinical trials for treatment began last week. The Guardian does not mention this development.
The specific number of suspected cases in Haut-Uélé province was not provided by either source.
Key figures
Wessam Mankoula, head of emergency preparedness and response, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Ladd Serwat, senior analyst, Acled conflict monitoring group
Carla Martinez, DRC head, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Alex Lock, spokesperson, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Sources: The Guardian, NPR
