Ebola outbreak in DR Congo becomes deadliest in country’s history

Live updates

1. 4d ago

   DRC Ebola death toll reaches 3,310 as containment efforts struggle

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 3,310 people, with 6,843 confirmed cases as of September 8. While some data suggests a downward trend in cases, the World Health Organisation warns that the virus is spreading to new areas faster than treatment capacity can expand. Efforts to contain the disease face critical shortages in funding and staffing. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, which currently lacks approved treatments or vaccines, though two candidates are undergoing safety trials in the UK and Canada.

   Why it matters

   This is the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the history of the DRC and the second-largest ever recorded globally. The epidemic began in mid-2026 and has primarily affected six provinces, including northeastern Ituri. Many of these regions lack state control, complicating medical interventions.

   What is confirmed

   • The DRC recorded 6,843 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,310 deaths as of September 8.
   • The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus.
   • Two vaccines for the Bundibugyo virus are undergoing safety trials in Canada and the UK.

   Still unconfirmed

   • WHO reports that containment efforts face pressure from staffing and funding shortages.

   What to watch next

   • Results from the vaccine safety trials in Canada and the UK
   • Official confirmation of whether the outbreak has peaked
   • Expansion of treatment capacity in the affected provinces
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. www.helsinkitimes.fi — Helsinki aesthetic clinic ordered to halt services after safety inspection
   2. medicalxpress.com — DRC's Ebola outbreak has the potential to become a global pandemic. How to make sure it doesn't
   3. anewz.tv — Congo Ebola death toll tops 3,100 as WHO cites staffing and funding shortages
   4. eastleighvoice.co.ke — DRC Ebola cases show downward trend, but peak not yet confirmed
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   confidence 90%
2. 11d ago

   DR Congo Ebola deaths exceed 3,000 as vaccine trials begin

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 3,000 people and confirmed over 6,000 cases, making it the deadliest in the nation's history and the second-largest globally. The epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, which currently lacks approved vaccines or treatments. The disease has spread across six provinces, primarily in northeastern Ituri and areas lacking state control. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reports that two new vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo virus are undergoing safety trials in Canada and the UK.

   Why it matters

   The outbreak began on May 15 in the remote Ituri province. Widespread insecurity and low community trust hinder the response. The fatality rate currently exceeds 48 percent.

   What is confirmed

   • More than 3,000 people have died in the current Ebola outbreak.
   • Congolese authorities have confirmed more than 6,000 cases.
   • The outbreak is the deadliest on record for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
   • The epidemic is the second-largest globally.
   • The outbreak began on May 15 in the northeastern province of Ituri.
   • The virus is the Bundibugyo ebolavirus species.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The fatality rate for the current outbreak exceeds 48 percent.
   • The virus has spread to six provinces in areas with weak state control.

   What to watch next

   • Results from the vaccine safety trials in the UK and Canada.
   • Statements from Africa CDC regarding whether the outbreak is under control.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. theconversation.com — DRC’s Ebola epidemic could be the worst in history: 4 things that could help end it
   2. allafrica.com — Ebola Deaths in DR Congo Top 3,000 as WHO Prepares Vaccine Trials
   3. www.thedailybeast.com — Grammy-Winning Singer Dies at 70
   4. eastleighvoice.co.ke — Africa CDC says too early to declare DR Congo Ebola outbreak under control
   5. eastleighvoice.co.ke — DRC’s Ebola epidemic could be the worst in history: Four things that could help end it
   confidence 90%
3. 13d ago

   DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country's history

   The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has surpassed 6,000 confirmed cases and nearly 3,000 deaths, making it the deadliest in the country's history. The outbreak continues to spread rapidly, with a high mortality rate of approximately one person dying every 30 minutes. The crisis has sparked concern over school reopening and the region's fragile health infrastructure.

   Why it matters

   The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has become a major public health concern, with the country's health infrastructure struggling to contain the spread of the virus. The outbreak has been hampered by conflict, attacks on health workers, and misinformation. The situation is further complicated by funding issues, which have hindered the response to the epidemic.

   What is confirmed

   • The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded more than 6,000 confirmed Ebola cases.
   • The outbreak has resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths.
   • The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is the deadliest in the country's history.

   What to watch next

   • Further updates on the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo
   • Development of an effective Ebola vaccine
   • International response to the crisis
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. apnews.com — Congo authorities report more than 6,000 confirmed Ebola cases and nearly 3,000 deaths
   2. medicalxpress.com — DR Congo Ebola epidemic passes 6,000 cases
   3. kahawatungu.com — DR Congo Ebola epidemic passes 6,000 cases
   4. www.mirror.co.uk — Ebola vaccine trial at UK university is world first in fight against virus that has killed over 3,000
   5. www.thedailybeast.com — Rupert Murdoch’s Daughter Reveals His Reaction to Film Casting
   6. www.medicalbrief.co.za — Raging Ebola hobbled by funding issues and misinformation
   confidence 100%
4. 17d ago

   DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country's history

   The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has become the deadliest in the country's history with over 2,400 deaths and 5,000 confirmed cases reported as of August 16. The outbreak continues to spread rapidly with over 300 new deaths reported in the past week. The mortality rate remains high with approximately one person dying every 30 minutes. The crisis has sparked concern over school reopening and the region's fragile health infrastructure.

   Why it matters

   The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has spread to six provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele. Decades of conflict have displaced entire populations and weakened health infrastructure in the region. The UN has warned that the epidemic is spreading faster than the response to contain it.

   What is confirmed

   • The Democratic Republic of Congo had recorded 5,713 confirmed cases, including 2,744 deaths, as of August 27.
   • The Ebola outbreak has spread to two new health zones in eastern Congo, bringing the total number of affected areas to 60.
   • The U.S. government has delivered an experimental Ebola antibody treatment to Uganda to help respond rapidly if the virus crosses the border.
   • The vaccination campaign was officially launched in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo Province in the east of the country.
   • Health workers and others on the front lines of the Ebola response were among the first to receive the vaccine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Ervebo vaccine was not designed for the Bundibugyo strain causing the epidemic, but experts are hopeful that it may provide some protection while new vaccines are developed.

   What to watch next

   • The number of new cases and deaths reported in the coming weeks
   • The effectiveness of the vaccination campaign in slowing the spread of the disease
   • The international response to the crisis, including funding and resource mobilization
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. allafrica.com — U.S. Delivers Experimental Ebola Antibody Therapy to Uganda
   2. jen.jiji.com — Ebola vaccination campaign starts in DR Congo
   3. apnews.com — Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo spreads to 2 new health zones with a total of 60 areas now affected
   4. allafrica.com — UN Chief Condemns 'Indifference' As Ebola Cases Mount in DR Congo
   5. ca.news.yahoo.com — Ebola Vaccine Rollout Begins In DR Congo Amid Continuing Outbreak
   6. anewz.tv — DR Congo launches Ebola vaccination campaign as record outbreak intensifies
   7. www.usatoday.com — Lettuce-linked parasite confirmed in 3 new states. See outbreak map
   8. eastleighvoice.co.ke — Ebola outbreak sparks concern over school reopening in DR Congo
   confidence 85%
5. 20d ago

   DR Congo's Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country's history

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country's history, with over 2,400 deaths and 5,000 confirmed cases reported as of August 16. The outbreak, centered in Ituri, continues to spread rapidly, with over 300 new deaths reported in the past week. The mortality rate remains high, with approximately one person dying every 30 minutes.

   Why it matters

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is occurring amidst a backdrop of hunger, displacement, and violence in affected communities. The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that much of the population in eastern DR Congo is not following necessary precautions against the virus. The outbreak has been ongoing for several months, with the first cases reported earlier this year.

   What is confirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 2,400 deaths and 5,000 confirmed cases as of August 16.
   • The outbreak has had its deadliest week, with over 300 new deaths reported.
   • The mortality rate remains high, with approximately one person dying every 30 minutes.
   • The outbreak is centered in Ituri, DR Congo.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The population in eastern DR Congo is not following necessary precautions against the virus.

   What to watch next

   • The next 100 days, which the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response has called for a major acceleration of effort to turn the tide of the outbreak.
   • The World Health Organization's (WHO) continued efforts to declare the outbreak over in Uganda, while cases continue to rise in Congo.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.scoop.co.nz — Ebola: The World Must Take Urgent And Bold Action To Turn The Tide In The Next 100 Days
   2. www.cidrap.umn.edu — DR Congo suffers deadliest week in its Ebola outbreak
   3. www.scoop.co.nz — 9 Years On: Rohingya Continue To Face Atrocity Crimes, Mass Displacement & Growing Humanitarian Crisis, Warn UN Experts
   4. tass.com — Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo could become worst in history — media
   5. www.huffpost.com — Ebola Cases Keep Rising In Congo As WHO Declares Outbreak Over In Uganda
   6. www.scoop.co.nz — Officials Sharpen Tools To Tackle Corruption Laundered Through Crypto
   confidence 85%
6. 22d ago

   DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in national history

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is now the largest and deadliest in the country's history. As of 16 August, national authorities reported more than 5,000 confirmed cases and over 2,400 deaths. The virus continues to spread through communities experiencing hunger, displacement, and violence. In the past week, government data shows more than 300 deaths, maintaining a mortality rate of roughly one person every 30 minutes. MSF is urging a faster response focused on training community leaders and health workers in infection control and case detection.

   Why it matters

   This outbreak is described as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever declared. It is occurring in regions already strained by conflict and other health emergencies. The high death toll among pregnant women has specifically increased in the Ituri epicentre.

   What is confirmed

   • National authorities reported more than 5,000 confirmed cases and over 2,400 deaths as of 16 August.
   • More than 300 people died of Ebola in eastern Congo in the past week.
   • Ebola deaths have been reported at a rate of roughly one every 30 minutes over the past week.
   • The outbreak is the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Deaths of pregnant women have doubled during this outbreak.

   What to watch next

   • Funding decisions for additional health resources
   • MSF reports on the implementation of community leader training
   • Updated case counts from national authorities beyond 5,500
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. apnews.com — Congo’s Ebola outbreak records one of its highest weekly death tolls yet
   2. www.georgeherald.com — DRC Ebola outbreak reaches 100 days as MSF calls for faster community response
   3. www.cidrap.umn.edu — As DR Congo Ebola outbreak tops 5,500 cases, calls for more resources intensify
   4. www.independent.co.uk — Deaths of pregnant women double during fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history in DR Congo
   5. www.scoop.co.nz — Pacific Fuel Crisis Poised To Become A Water, Food And Health Crisis
   6. www.scoop.co.nz — Rohingya Crisis Enters Tenth Year As Funding Cuts Put Lifesaving Services At Risk: Oxfam
   confidence 90%
7. 23d ago

   DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country's history

   The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has claimed over 2,400 lives in 100 days, with over 5,000 confirmed cases reported. The outbreak is spreading rapidly, with deaths reported at a rate of one every 30 minutes. Health workers are struggling to keep up with the rapid spread amid insecurity, community resistance, and a lack of resources.

   Why it matters

   This outbreak is the largest and deadliest in DR Congo's history, occurring in an area larger than France. The crisis has significant implications for the region, with concerns about the potential for further spread and the impact on local communities.

   What is confirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is rapidly spreading in an area bigger than France.
   • Over 5,000 confirmed cases have been reported in DR Congo.
   • The outbreak has claimed over 2,400 lives in 100 days.
   • One person dies from Ebola every 30 minutes in DR Congo.

   What to watch next

   • Further reports on the Ebola outbreak's spread and response
   • Updates on international support and aid efforts
   • Development of new treatments or vaccines
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. eastleighvoice.co.ke — DRC Ebola outbreak 'growing exponentially,' UN says
   2. tass.com — American rapper Lil Pump says loves Putin
   3. tass.com — Russia’s oldest resident seeks medical care after minor trauma
   4. eastleighvoice.co.ke — One person dies from Ebola every 30 minutes in DR Congo as MSF warns of inadequate support
   5. techrights.org — Links 23/08/2026: Water Crises, Illegal Tariffs, and Carney Confronts US Over Patent Imperialism
   6. www.scoop.co.nz — Travellers Who Already Booked Fiji Holidays Could Pay More, Travel Groups Warn
   7. www.scoop.co.nz — 100 Days Of Ebola Outbreak: Faster Response Needed In DRC
   confidence 85%
8. 24d ago

   DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country's history

   The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has claimed over 2,500 lives in under 100 days, with cases growing exponentially. The outbreak is now believed to be three times bigger than initial estimates, with over 5,300 cases reported. Health workers are struggling to keep up with the rapid spread of the virus amid insecurity, community resistance, and a lack of resources.

   Why it matters

   The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has become the country's deadliest, surpassing previous outbreaks. The situation is being exacerbated by a combination of factors, including insecurity, community resistance, and a lack of resources. The outbreak has significant implications for the region, with concerns about the potential for further spread along major rivers and into neighboring countries.

   What is confirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has claimed over 2,500 lives in under 100 days.
   • The outbreak is growing exponentially, with cases spreading rapidly across parts of DR Congo.
   • The number of reported Ebola cases has surpassed 5,300.
   • The outbreak is now believed to be three times bigger than initial estimates.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak could be three times the current known size.

   What to watch next

   • Further updates on the number of reported cases and deaths
   • Development of new initiatives to combat the outbreak
   • International response and aid efforts
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. apnews.com — Here’s data that shows Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to surpass history’s largest
   2. tass.com — Indian foreign minister to arrive on two-day visit to Russia on Sunday — diplomatic agency
   3. www.aol.co.uk — Fastest Ebola outbreak in history on track to become deadliest could be three times bigger than first thought
   4. eastleighvoice.co.ke — DR Congo launches Ebola prevention initiative along Congo River amid spread concerns
   5. www.commondreams.org — Congo's Ebola Outbreak 'Growing Exponentially,' Warns UN Official
   6. eu.usatoday.com — COVID's annual summer wave is back. Here's what's behind it
   7. www.chinaview.cn — DR Congo Ebola cases top 5,300 as UN warns outbreak "growing exponentially"
   confidence 85%
9. 28d ago

   DR Congo's Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country's history

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the country's deadliest, with over 2,300 deaths reported. The outbreak is ongoing, and health workers are struggling to keep up with the rapid spread of the virus. The situation is being exacerbated by a perfect storm of factors, including insecurity, community resistance, and a lack of resources.

   Why it matters

   The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has been ongoing for some time, with the first case reported in August 2020. The outbreak has spread rapidly, and the country's healthcare system is struggling to cope. The international community has expressed concern about the situation, with the UN warning that the virus is 'winning'.

   What is confirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has killed over 2,300 people.
   • The outbreak is the deadliest in DR Congo's history.
   • Health workers are struggling to keep up with the rapid spread of the virus.
   • The situation is being exacerbated by a perfect storm of factors, including insecurity, community resistance, and a lack of resources.

   What to watch next

   • Further updates on the death toll and the spread of the virus
   • The response of the international community to the outbreak
   • The impact of the outbreak on the country's healthcare system and economy
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. Al Jazeera — Ebola outbreak in DR Congo becomes deadliest in country’s history
   2. The Guardian — As Ebola kills thousands in DRC, a perfect storm is making the virus hard to stop | Devi Sridhar
   3. The Seattle Times — Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak becomes the country’s worst with over 2,300 dead
   4. Bloomberg.com — Ebola Outbreak Becomes Congo’s Deadliest as UN Warns Virus Is ‘Winning’
   5. The Independent — Ebola outbreak in DRC now country’s deadliest ever – as deaths double in three weeks
   6. CNN — Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo becomes deadliest in country’s history
   7. AP News — Exhausted health workers in Congo struggle to keep up as Ebola outpaces contact tracing
   8. BBC — Ebola outbreak in DR Congo becomes deadliest in its history
   9. dw.com — Congo's Ebola cases rising at record pace
   confidence 85%