RismadarVoice Reporters, July 20, 2026
At least 930 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo Ebola outbreak, health authorities said on Monday, as the country recorded one of its deadliest 24-hour periods since the outbreak began in May.
According to the Ministry of Health, 37 deaths were reported between Friday and Saturday, bringing the total fatalities to 930 from 2,344 confirmed cases as of July 18.
The outbreak, declared in eastern DR Congo on May 15, is now the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record.
Health officials said the outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a less common variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Ebola is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or animals, as well as contaminated materials such as clothing and bedding. The disease is rare but often severe and can be fatal.
The worsening outbreak has been compounded by insecurity in the eastern province of Ituri, the hardest-hit area, where ongoing rebel violence has disrupted response efforts. Five eastern provinces have so far reported Ebola cases.
Authorities said at least 12 attacks targeting health workers and medical facilities have been recorded since the outbreak was declared, with many incidents linked to misinformation, rumours and public distrust. Response efforts have also been affected by strikes by health workers protesting unpaid salaries.
The outbreak has also taken a heavy toll on frontline personnel, with at least 36 healthcare workers reported dead after contracting the virus.
Last week, the Organisation warned that about 80 per cent of newly confirmed infections were emerging from unknown chains of transmission, indicating that the virus is spreading faster than health officials can trace and contain.
The Ministry of Health said 724 patients are currently receiving treatment in isolation centres and hospitals across affected areas.
Despite the rising death toll, authorities reported some progress in patient care, announcing that 22 people had recovered within the past 24 hours as response efforts continue to expand in affected zones.
