RismadarVoice Reporters
September 1, 2026
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recorded more than 6,000 confirmed cases of Ebola in what has become the country’s largest Ebola outbreak on record, with the disease spreading rapidly across several provinces.
Health authorities reported that the outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has resulted in thousands of deaths. The strain currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment available, creating additional challenges for efforts to contain transmission.
The latest figures show that more than 6,000 people have been infected, with nearly 3,000 deaths recorded. The outbreak has surpassed the previous largest Ebola crisis in the country, which occurred between 2018 and 2020.
The epidemic has spread across multiple provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé and Tshopo, affecting dozens of health zones. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the outbreak has continued to expand, with sustained transmission and increasing numbers of cases and fatalities.
Health officials and aid organisations are facing major obstacles, including insecurity in affected areas, population displacement, limited healthcare access and difficulties carrying out surveillance and contact tracing.
Although there is no approved vaccine specifically for the Bundibugyo strain, researchers are conducting studies to evaluate possible vaccines and treatments. Health authorities are also strengthening surveillance, community engagement, medical care and emergency response operations to slow the spread of the virus.
The WHO has warned that the continued increase in cases, high death rate and geographical expansion of the outbreak require urgent international support and coordinated response measures.
