The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began in February 2026, several months before it was officially declared in mid-May. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO’s regional director for Africa, stated at a news conference that sequencing data indicated the outbreak's earlier start, with some initial cases wrongly attributed to malaria and typhoid.

According to the latest government figures, confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC have reached 4,200, including at least 1,900 deaths. This outbreak is notable for being caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccines or treatments, setting it apart from most previous Ebola outbreaks.

Janabi emphasized the challenge faced by responders, saying, “So we are chasing the virus, the virus is ahead of us.” The WHO continues to urge trials of the Ervebo vaccine as healthcare workers in the region strike over pay amid the accelerating outbreak.

Sources