The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has escalated to become the third largest on record, spreading faster than any previous outbreak during its first month, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday, 16 July 2026.

Addressing reporters in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the two-month-old outbreak has continued to expand despite significant efforts by the Government of DRC, WHO, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other partners. "So far, 2,273 cases have been reported, with 796 deaths," he stated. For comparison, the 2018–2019 Ebola outbreak in DRC took over 10 months to reach 2,000 confirmed cases.

Tedros highlighted intense transmission in Ituri province in DRC’s eastern region as the biggest concern. More than 80% of new infections are detected outside known contact lists, indicating ongoing undetected transmission chains. Additionally, about two-thirds of deaths occur in communities among people who never receive treatment in health facilities. He warned, "Despite the progress we have made, the outbreak in DRC is continuing to outpace the response."

Complicating response efforts, an Ebola treatment centre in Bunia was attacked on Wednesday. However, treatment capacity has increased to over 800 beds, laboratory capacity has expanded from one to 16 laboratories, and contact follow-up rates have risen to nearly 80%.

The country’s last confirmed Ebola patient was discharged from care on Thursday after testing negative twice, initiating the 42-day countdown before the outbreak can be officially declared over.

Meanwhile, Uganda has reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths since declaring its outbreak on 15 May 2026. WHO Representative Dr Kasonde Mwinga acknowledged the commitment of Uganda’s health workers, communities, and partners but cautioned that the country remains at risk.

Sources

UN News: WHO warns DR Congo Ebola outbreak is outpacing response as Uganda reaches milestone