The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with a significant surge in Ebola infections, with government data showing 3,200 cases and at least 1,405 deaths as of Sunday, July 27, 2026. This marks an increase of about 1,000 cases in just 10 days, as the outbreak continues to spread across five provinces.

Declared on May 15, 2026, the current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that nearly 90 percent of cases have been recorded in the northeastern province of Ituri, which borders South Sudan and Uganda.

The United Nations agency noted that the virus has recently spread to two additional provinces, expanding the affected area. Hedley Tah of the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), which transports medical and response teams to crisis zones, stated, “In many cases the humanitarian community wants to help, but the real challenge is getting there.”

Authorities have attributed the rise in reported cases partly to improved detection and testing efforts. Medical teams continue to struggle to contain the DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak amid these challenges.

Sources