The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recorded 8,067 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths, according to the latest figures from the country’s health authorities. The figures, covering data up to September 26, make the current outbreak the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak recorded in the country.
The outbreak, which was officially declared on May 15, 2026, is caused by the Bundibugyo species of the Ebola virus. It has spread across 63 health zones in seven of the country’s 26 provinces, with Ituri remaining the most affected province.
Health authorities say the outbreak has placed significant pressure on an already stretched healthcare system. According to the latest data, 2,070 patients have recovered, while hundreds of people remain hospitalised in isolation facilities.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the continued high death rate, particularly deaths occurring within communities, shows that many patients are not being identified and taken to treatment centres early enough. Access to healthcare has also been affected by insecurity and shortages of health workers.
The situation is particularly serious in Ituri and North Kivu, which account for the majority of reported cases. European health authorities reported that Ituri had recorded more than 6,000 cases, while North Kivu had recorded more than 1,500 cases as of the latest update.
The outbreak has also created challenges beyond the direct treatment of Ebola patients. Routine healthcare services in Ituri have reportedly declined as resources and health workers are redirected towards the Ebola response.
Another challenge has been public mistrust. Health authorities and humanitarian organisations have reported resistance to Ebola prevention measures, while some health workers and facilities have faced attacks. The WHO has stressed the importance of community engagement alongside medical interventions to control transmission.
The current outbreak has already surpassed the DRC’s previous largest Ebola outbreak, recorded between 2018 and 2020. Globally, it remains below the scale of the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic, which affected Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Authorities and international health organisations are continuing surveillance, contact tracing, patient treatment and other containment measures. However, continued geographical spread, population movement and shortages of health workers remain major obstacles to ending the outbreak.
