The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has intensified, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 1,759 confirmed infections and 600 confirmed deaths since the outbreak was declared in May 2026. The epidemic, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has become the largest outbreak ever recorded for this particular strain, prompting heightened concern among health authorities across Central and East Africa.
The outbreak has been concentrated in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, where health officials continue to battle widespread transmission. However, suspected cases have now emerged in Tshopo Province, including the city of Kisangani, raising fears that the virus is spreading beyond its original epicentre. One of the suspected patients has established links to the outbreak in Ituri, while another has no known epidemiological connection, prompting urgent investigations and expanded contact tracing.
Neighbouring Uganda has also reported the spread of the virus, confirming 20 Ebola infections, including two deaths. According to WHO, 17 patients have recovered, while health authorities continue monitoring close contacts and strengthening disease surveillance. Several of Uganda's confirmed cases have been linked to cross-border movement from the DRC, although local transmission has also been detected.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a relatively rare Ebola species for which there is no licensed vaccine or approved treatment. Unlike previous outbreaks caused by the Zaire strain, health workers are relying on supportive care while evaluating experimental medicines to improve survival rates among infected patients.
WHO, together with the DRC Ministry of Health and international partners, has launched clinical trials of experimental therapies, including the antibody treatment MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir. Researchers hope the studies will identify effective treatments for the Bundibugyo strain and improve outcomes for patients affected by the outbreak.
Health authorities have expanded laboratory testing, treatment centres and surveillance operations across affected provinces. Despite these efforts, new infections continue to be reported, placing significant pressure on healthcare systems already strained by years of conflict and limited medical resources.
The response has been further complicated by insecurity in eastern DRC, where armed conflict, population displacement and attacks on health facilities have disrupted surveillance activities and delayed the delivery of medical supplies. Humanitarian agencies say insecurity remains one of the biggest obstacles to containing the outbreak.
Healthcare workers responding to the epidemic have also raised concerns over delayed salaries, unpaid allowances and shortages of protective equipment. Labour disputes in some treatment centres have threatened to disrupt critical Ebola response operations, including patient care and disease surveillance.
WHO has warned that continued movement of people across borders increases the risk of additional international spread. Health officials are therefore intensifying screening measures at border crossings, strengthening surveillance systems and improving rapid response capacity in neighbouring countries.
Ugandan authorities have heightened public health measures at border points with the DRC, expanded contact tracing and reinforced isolation facilities for confirmed patients. The government continues working closely with WHO and regional health partners to prevent wider community transmission.
International health agencies have appealed for increased financial and logistical support, warning that insufficient resources could undermine efforts to contain one of the fastest-growing Ebola outbreaks in recent years. Additional funding is expected to support surveillance, laboratory testing, treatment facilities and community awareness campaigns.
Public health experts continue to emphasise the importance of early detection, rapid isolation of patients, comprehensive contact tracing and community engagement in interrupting chains of transmission. They say these interventions remain the most effective tools available until approved vaccines and treatments become available for the Bundibugyo strain.
WHO maintains that while the outbreak remains a serious public health emergency, coordinated regional action, strengthened surveillance and sustained international support will be essential in bringing the epidemic under control and preventing further spread across the region.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD