UN health teams and partners are actively working to contain a rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite ongoing insecurity in the eastern regions where the virus is prevalent. As of 19 July 2026, the DRC Government has recorded 2,423 confirmed cases, including 967 deaths and 469 recoveries.

The outbreak has been reported across five provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for more than 90% of cases and 80% of deaths, according to Dr. Thierno Baldé, World Health Organization (WHO) Incident Manager.

Dr. Baldé confirmed that the Bundibugyo virus responsible for this outbreak is spreading to new areas in the eastern region. Chronic instability, conflict threats, and highly mobile, often displaced populations have created conditions conducive to the virus's spread.

Declared on 15 May 2026, this Ebola outbreak is the fastest-growing on record in the DRC. However, there are some positive developments: no secondary cases have been detected so far in Kisangani, with all five cases there imported from Ituri province. Additionally, Mongbwalu—the initial detection site—is showing signs of stabilization, as is Goma in North Kivu province, noted the WHO Incident Manager.

Despite the challenges, these signs offer hope as health teams continue their efforts to control the outbreak.

Sources