The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the continued spread of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the disease is expanding into new communities and provinces in the country’s northeast.
Since the outbreak was declared in May 2026, health authorities have recorded 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths, with additional suspected infections still under investigation. While dozens of patients have recovered, officials say the outbreak remains far from being contained.
According to WHO epidemiologists, new cases are being detected almost daily in previously unaffected health zones, highlighting both the scale of the outbreak and the mobility of affected populations. What initially appeared to be cases linked to travel from known hotspots has now evolved into local community transmission in newly affected areas.
Health experts also warn that surveillance efforts, though improving, remain insufficient. Contact tracing coverage has risen significantly in recent weeks but is still below the level required to effectively control the spread of the virus.
The outbreak is being caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments. Authorities are therefore relying heavily on early detection, isolation, contact tracing, and community engagement to limit transmission.
WHO officials have called for urgent expansion of isolation facilities and medical resources, noting that current treatment capacity is inadequate compared to the projected number of cases. They stressed that without sufficient isolation spaces and healthcare infrastructure, efforts to contain the outbreak could face serious setbacks.
The outbreak has also crossed international borders, with neighbouring Uganda reporting confirmed infections and fatalities. Despite this development, regional health authorities say response measures are ongoing and continue to monitor the situation closely.
Health agencies are urging governments, partners, and communities to strengthen surveillance, support response operations, and remain vigilant as efforts continue to prevent further spread of the deadly virus.
