The World Health Organisation has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the largest ever recorded in the country’s history, warning that the disease continues to spread rapidly.
According to the global health agency, the outbreak has intensified, with sustained transmission, rising infections, increasing deaths, and an expanding geographical reach.
Latest figures released by the WHO show that, as of July 30, 2026, the DRC had recorded 3,605 confirmed Ebola cases and 1,587 deaths, representing a fatality rate of about 44 per cent.
The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was officially declared on May 15, 2026. Health experts say it has now surpassed the country’s previous largest Ebola outbreak, which occurred between 2018 and 2020.
In a statement, the WHO said, “The Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is intensifying, with sustained transmission, rising cases and deaths, and expanding geographic spread. This is now the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the country.”
The organisation added that the outbreak recorded its highest weekly toll in the past week, with 567 new confirmed cases and 296 deaths, describing the pace of transmission as alarming.
“The continued rise in cases, widening spread, and high mortality highlight the growing nature of this public health emergency,” the WHO said.
The health agency attributed the worsening situation to insecurity, population displacement, and cross-border movements, which it said continue to hamper response efforts and increase the risk of further spread.
“While national authorities, WHO, and partners are implementing extensive response measures, a substantial scale-up of operations across all activities is needed to get ahead of the outbreak,” the organisation added.
The epicentre of the outbreak remains Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, a region that shares borders with Uganda and South Sudan.
Meanwhile, the WHO noted that Uganda has officially declared an end to its Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak after completing 42 days without recording a new locally transmitted case.
However, the organisation warned that Uganda remains at risk of fresh imported infections because of the ongoing transmission in neighbouring DRC.
The WHO urged countries in the region to maintain heightened surveillance, preparedness, and disease control measures to prevent further cross-border spread of the virus.
