DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Declared Global Health Emergency Amid Rising Cases
DR Congo's Ebola outbreak surpasses 5,000 cases with nearly 2,400 deaths, prompting WHO to maintain its global health emergency status.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 20, 2026
2 min read
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to escalate, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirming it as a public health emergency of international concern.
As of Sunday, the outbreak recorded 5,021 confirmed cases and 2,378 deaths across 55 health zones in six provinces, resulting in a case fatality rate of 47.4 percent. This makes the current epidemic the second-largest Ebola outbreak on record globally and the deadliest in the DRC’s history.
Rapid Spread and Challenges
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the outbreak’s swift expansion, noting it is spreading faster than previous outbreaks. The epicentre remains the eastern province of Ituri, which accounts for nearly 85 percent of all cases, though infections are increasing in neighbouring regions.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, which presents with less distinctive early symptoms, complicating early detection and containment efforts. DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba described the response as "very rapid and very vigorous," but acknowledged the virus's fast spread and the challenges it poses.
Experimental Vaccines and Treatments Underway
With no approved vaccine specifically targeting Bundibugyo virus, authorities are pursuing experimental interventions. Two vaccines designed for this strain are currently in human trials. Additionally, WHO is conducting trials on antiviral drugs including remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies.
There is also investigation into whether the licensed Ervebo vaccine, effective against the Zaire ebolavirus, might offer cross-protection for Bundibugyo, though this remains unconfirmed. Africa CDC supports expanded use of Ervebo among high-risk frontline workers alongside further clinical trials.
Regional and International Concerns
The WHO warns of a very high risk of continued transmission within the DRC and elevated risk of cross-border spread, especially due to population movement along roads, rivers, and mining routes. Provinces like Tshopo and its capital Kisangani are focal points due to their transport links to the national capital Kinshasa.
Neighbouring countries including Uganda, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic are considered particularly vulnerable to imported cases given their proximity and frequent cross-border movements.
WHO officials emphasize that despite ongoing efforts, the epidemic is far from under control and requires urgent intensified action to reverse its trajectory.
