DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes world's second-largest ever
The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has become the world's second-largest ever, with over 300 people dying in the past week. The outbreak, centered in the Ituri region, is considered the fastest-growing in history and risks becoming the deadliest. The situation is dire, particularly among pregnant women, with deaths doubling in this group.
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- ✓ The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is the world's second-largest ever.
- ✓ The outbreak is centered in the Ituri region, where over 60,000 women remain at risk.
- ✓ Deaths among pregnant women have doubled in the Ituri epicenter.
- ✓ CEPI will invest up to $16.5 million in a Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidate.
What changed
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has announced an investment of up to $16.5 million in a Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidate, which will be developed by Minapharm Group.
Live updates
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DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes world's second-largest ever
The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has become the world's second-largest ever, with over 300 people dying in the past week. The outbreak, centered in the Ituri region, is considered the fastest-growing in history and risks becoming the deadliest. The situation is dire, particularly among pregnant women, with deaths doubling in this group.
Why it matters
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is a major public health concern, with the potential to spread further if not contained. The World Health Organization and other global health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working with the DR Congo government to respond. The outbreak has significant implications for the region, with over 60,000 women at risk in the Ituri epicenter.
What is confirmed
- The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is the world's second-largest ever.
- The outbreak is centered in the Ituri region, where over 60,000 women remain at risk.
- Deaths among pregnant women have doubled in the Ituri epicenter.
- CEPI will invest up to $16.5 million in a Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidate.
Still unconfirmed
- Much of the population in eastern DR Congo was not following necessary precautions against the virus.
What to watch next
- Development of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidate
- Progress in containing the outbreak in the Ituri region
- WHO and global health authorities' response to the outbreak
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
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Ebola deaths in eastern Congo surge as Bundibugyo outbreak intensifies
More than 300 people died of Ebola in eastern Congo in the past week, according to government data. The Bundibugyo outbreak is now described as the fastest-growing in history and risks becoming the deadliest ever. Over 60,000 women remain at risk in the Ituri epicenter, where deaths among pregnant women have doubled. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response is calling for a major acceleration of efforts within the next 100 days to turn the tide of the epidemic.
Why it matters
The outbreak has already surpassed 5,300 confirmed cases and 2,500 deaths. Eastern Congo's ongoing conflict continues to impede safe burials and contact tracing. Health workers are heavily affected, with 40 deaths reported among staff.
What is confirmed
- More than 300 people died of Ebola in eastern Congo in the past week.
- The Bundibugyo outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history.
Still unconfirmed
- Over 60,000 women are still at risk in the epicenter of Ituri.
- Deaths of pregnant women have doubled during the outbreak.
- The Bundibugyo outbreak risks becoming the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history.
What to watch next
- Response from the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response regarding the 100-day acceleration plan
- Updated government death tolls for the eastern Congo region
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
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- www.independent.co.uk — Deaths of pregnant women double during fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history in DR Congo
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DR Congo Ebola deaths top 2,500 as cases exceed 5,300
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading exponentially, with confirmed cases now exceeding 5,300 and the death toll surpassing 2,500. The United Nations warns the virus is growing rapidly. This follows previous reports of 5,021 cases and 2,325 deaths. Efforts to contain the virus include the delivery of 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses by the International Coordinating Group, though conflict in the east continues to hinder contact tracing and safe burials. Health workers remain heavily impacted, with over 160 infected and 40 dead.
Why it matters
This is the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the history of the DR Congo. The crisis is compounded by regional instability that prevents medical teams from reaching affected areas. The outbreak has not yet reached its peak.
What is confirmed
- The United Nations warns the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is growing exponentially.
- More than 2,500 people have died in the current Ebola outbreak.
- Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have topped 5,300.
What to watch next
- Updates on the distribution of the 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses
- Data on whether the outbreak has reached its peak
- Reports on the impact of eastern conflict on burial and tracing efforts
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
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- www.chinaview.cn — DR Congo Ebola cases top 5,300 as UN warns outbreak "growing exponentially"
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DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Deaths Rise as 70,000 Vaccines Arrive
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached 5,021 cases and 2,325 deaths. The UN-backed International Coordinating Group is delivering 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses, with 50,000 for frontline workers and 20,000 for a clinical trial. This is the deadliest outbreak on record for the country and has not yet peaked. Conflict in eastern DR Congo continues to obstruct safe burials and contact tracing. Among the infected are more than 160 health workers, 40 of whom have died.
Why it matters
The current surge is driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Previous reports indicated that nine out of ten patients arrived at the epicenter treatment center without being on official tracking lists. Data suggests the outbreak could eventually reach three times its current size.
What is confirmed
- The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 5,021 Ebola cases and 2,325 deaths.
- The International Coordinating Group is providing 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses.
- More than 160 health workers contracted Ebola and 40 died.
- Conflict in eastern DR Congo has restricted access to communities and hampered safe burials.
- The outbreak has not yet peaked.
Still unconfirmed
- Ervebo may offer some protection against the Bundibugyo strain based on early laboratory and animal data.
What to watch next
- Clinical trial results for the Ervebo vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain
- Updates on the total case count relative to historical maximums
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
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- www.sandiegouniontribune.com — San Diego Union-Tribune
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- allafrica.com — DR Congo Gets 70,000 Ebola Vaccines as Outbreak Death Toll Rises
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DR Congo Ebola deaths exceed 2,000 as cases surpass 4,000
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 2,000 people in less than three months. Confirmed cases now exceed 4,000. The World Health Organization and Africa CDC reported on August 6 that the virus is spreading faster than containment efforts can manage. Contact tracing has largely failed, with nine out of ten patients at the epicenter treatment center arriving without being on any official tracking list. Authorities describe this as the fastest-spreading outbreak on record, and it has not yet reached its peak.
Why it matters
This Bundibugyo virus epidemic is the second-largest in history. It is currently surging in hotspots and crowded camps. WHO Director-General Tedros previously called for a massive scale-up of the regional response.
What is confirmed
- More than 2,000 people have died from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have surpassed 4,000.
- The outbreak is the fastest-spreading on record.
- The World Health Organization and Africa CDC called for an urgent scale-up of the response on August 6.
Still unconfirmed
- Nine in ten patients admitted to the treatment center in the epicenter were never on any contact tracing list.
What to watch next
- Data indicating the outbreak has reached its peak
- Updates on the scale-up of response efforts requested by the WHO and Africa CDC
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
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- www.cbsnews.com — Congo Ebola death toll tops 2,000 as outbreak becomes fastest spreading on record
- en.tempo.co — Ebola: Over 2,000 Dead in DR Congo as Virus Gathers Pace
- www.thestar.com.my — Roundup: Fast-spreading Ebola outbreak claims over 2,000 lives in DR Congo
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DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Deaths Surpass 1,700 as Virus Spreads
The Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the second-largest Ebola epidemic in history and the fastest-spreading in the country's history. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports over 1,700 deaths in 14 weeks, warning that contact tracing is failing to contain the virus. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros has visited the region, stating that efforts to combat the outbreak must be urgently and massively scaled up. The virus is currently stalking crowded camps as cases surge in specific hotspots.
Why it matters
This crisis follows the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak, which remains the largest Ebola event globally. The current surge is the worst ever recorded within the DRC. It is characterized by rapid growth and a high fatality rate.
What is confirmed
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
- This is the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded.
- The virus is the fastest-spreading in the history of the Congo.
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recorded more than 1,700 deaths in 14 weeks.
- WHO Director-General Tedros visited the DR Congo to call for a massive scale up of efforts.
Still unconfirmed
- A field study found more than 500 cases in Mongbwalu starting in mid-January.
What to watch next
- Results of the scale-up efforts ordered by the WHO
- Updates on the effectiveness of contact tracing in hotspots
- Official confirmation of the outbreak start date in Mongbwalu
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
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- www.irishtimes.com — ‘We will all die from Ebola here’: Virus stalks crowded camps in Congo
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- www.africanews.com — DRC: Africa CDC sounds alarm as Congo Ebola outbreak turns deadliest yet
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — India News
- www.africanews.com — Ebola crisis deepens in DR Congo as cases surge in hotspots
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DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Death Toll Surpasses 1,700
The Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is now the second-largest and fastest-spreading Ebola epidemic in history. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 1,700 deaths within 14 weeks as contact tracing fails to contain the virus. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros has visited the region, calling for an urgent and massive scale-up of efforts to combat the acceleration of the disease. The crisis is currently intensifying in specific hotspots and crowded camps.
Why it matters
This outbreak is the worst ever recorded within the DRC. It follows a pattern of rapid growth that has surpassed previous epidemiological models. The scale of the epidemic is second only to the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak.
What is confirmed
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
- The current epidemic is the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded.
- The virus is the fastest-spreading in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recorded more than 1,700 deaths in 14 weeks.
Still unconfirmed
- The outbreak likely began in January with over 500 cases in Mongbwalu months before the official May declaration.
- Contact tracing is failing to contain the virus.
What to watch next
- Data on whether the scale-up of efforts requested by Tedros reduces the fatality rate
- Reports on the effectiveness of containment measures in crowded camps
- Updated case counts from the World Health Organization
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.forbes.com — The Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak Congo Declared In May Likely Began In January
- consent.yahoo.com — Rep. Elaine Luria seeks democratic nomination for Second Congressional District
- www.irishtimes.com — ‘We will all die from Ebola here’: Virus stalks crowded camps in Congo
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — COVID-19 Vaccine
- www.africanews.com — DRC: Africa CDC sounds alarm as Congo Ebola outbreak turns deadliest yet
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — India News
- www.africanews.com — Ebola crisis deepens in DR Congo as cases surge in hotspots
- en.tempo.co — WHO's Tedros Visits DR Congo as Ebola Outbreak Accelerates
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DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Becomes World's Second-Largest Ever
The Democratic Republic of Congo is battling the second-largest Ebola epidemic in global history, surpassed only by the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak. The World Health Organization reports 3,605 confirmed cases and a 44% fatality rate as of July 30, 2026. Congolese authorities confirm the death toll has exceeded 1,500, with more than 3,500 people infected. The outbreak is described as the fastest growing in the history of the virus and the worst ever recorded within the DRC.
Why it matters
This epidemic is driven by the Bundibugyo virus strain. Response efforts are hindered by armed conflict, population displacement, and severe healthcare resource shortages. Fear of the virus has led some pregnant women to avoid hospitals, increasing maternal mortality.
What is confirmed
- The Ebola outbreak in the DRC is the second-largest ever recorded globally.
- The death toll in the current outbreak has passed 1,500.
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
- The World Health Organization reported 3,605 confirmed cases and a 44% fatality rate as of July 30, 2026.
- This is the fastest growing Ebola outbreak in the history of the virus.
Still unconfirmed
- Pregnant women in eastern Congo are dying around childbirth because they avoid hospitals due to Ebola fears.
What to watch next
- WHO updates on the scaling of the health response to the intensifying outbreak.
- Changes in the total case count and fatality rate following the July 30 report.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (13)
- The Guardian — Ebola outbreak in DRC the fastest growing in the history of the virus
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Congo says the death toll in fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has passed 1,500
- Al Jazeera — DR Congo Ebola epidemic becomes world’s second largest outbreak
- dw.com — DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes world's second-largest ever
- CNN — Fast-growing Ebola outbreak in DRC surges to second-largest on record
- aljazeera.com — DR Congo’s Ebola death toll passes 1,500 as it struggles to halt spread
- World Health Organization (WHO) — Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo
- BBC — Ebola Bundibugyo strain outbreak worst ever in DR Congo, WHO says
- medicalxpress.com — Outbreak in DR Congo 'intensifying': WHO
- www.medindia.net — DR Congo Battles World's Second Largest Ebola Epidemic
- apnews.com — More pregnant women are dying in Congo as they avoid hospitals over Ebola
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