DR Congo Faces Largest Ebola Outbreak in Its History as WHO Warns of Rapid Spread
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing the largest Ebola outbreak in its recorded history, with confirmed infections surpassing the total from the country’s previous major epidemics. Government data reported 3,532 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths as of July 31, 2026. The outbreak is now the second-largest Ebola epidemic documented worldwide, behind only the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak. Health agencies say transmission continues to outpace containment efforts in parts of eastern Congo. The epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus. Unlike the more familiar Zaire species, it has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Experimental vaccines and medicines are being developed and tested, but they are not yet available for routine public use. At a Glance DR Congo reported 3,532 confirmed Ebola cases by July 31. At least 1,556 deaths have been recorded. This is the country’s largest documented Ebola outbreak. It is the second-largest Ebola epidemic ...
