Ebola outbreak in DRC spreads rapidly amid conflict and aid cuts
9 reported
Nearly two months after the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed an Ebola outbreak in one province, the virus continues to spread rapidly, reaching more parts of the country and infecting more people, according to a single-source report from The Guardian. Government data from July 8 recorded 1,759 cases and 600 deaths, with the virus also spreading to Uganda, where 20 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported. The outbreaks are caused by the rare Bundibugyo variant, which has no approved treatment or vaccine. Wessam Mankoula, head of emergency preparedness and response for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters the outbreak was the fastest growing ever of all Ebola-causing viruses. The Congolese health ministry reported suspected cases in Tshopo and Haut-Uélé provinces, indicating continued spread beyond the centre in Ituri. Experts cited ongoing conflict, aid cuts, and attacks on healthcare workers as factors intensifying the spread, warning the outbreak could become the deadliest on record.
What’s reported
Government data from July 8 recorded 1,759 cases and 600 deaths in the DRC.
The virus has spread to Uganda, with 20 confirmed cases and two deaths.
The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo variant, which has no approved treatment or vaccine.
Wessam Mankoula said the outbreak is the fastest growing ever of all Ebola-causing viruses.
Suspected cases have been recorded in Tshopo and Haut-Uélé provinces.
Conflict, aid cuts, and attacks on healthcare workers are intensifying the spread.
3.3 million displaced people live in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
10 Red Cross volunteers have been attacked in the current outbreak, with four sustaining injuries.
Humanitarian funding for the DRC declined sharply in 2025 due to the Trump administration freezing foreign aid.
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
