Ebola patients flee treatment centres in Congo for food as hunger crisis deepens

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Ebola Outbreak in Eastern DRC Outpaces Aid Amid Severe Hunger

   An Ebola outbreak is spreading at unprecedented speed across the Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. The World Health Organization warns that the virus is outpacing containment efforts despite improvements in treatment capacity. Severe hunger and conflict continue to hinder the response.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Ebola outbreak is affecting both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
   • The World Food Programme is scaling up food assistance, logistics, and telecommunications support in eastern DRC.
   • The World Health Organization has endorsed Julien Harneis as Senior Ebola Coordinator in Kinshasa.
   • As of June 29, 2026, there are 1,333 confirmed cases and 399 deaths in the Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces.
   • Mongbwalu is the epicentre of the epidemic in the eastern part of the DRC.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • France has confirmed its first case of Ebola.
   confidence 90%
2. 9d ago

   Ebola Outbreak and Hunger Crisis Converge in Eastern DRC

   A fast-spreading Ebola outbreak is outpacing containment efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The region faces a combination of acute hunger, armed violence, and mass displacement. The World Food Programme is currently transporting food, supplies, and health workers to the area.

   What's confirmed:

   • The World Health Organization warns that eastern DRC faces a "catastrophic collision of disease and conflict"
   • The World Food Programme is moving food, supplies, and health workers to combat Ebola and food insecurity
   confidence 100%
3. 12d ago

   Ebola cases in eastern Congo exceed 1,000 as hunger drives patient escapes

   A rare Ebola strain is spreading through eastern Congo amidst a severe food insecurity crisis. More than 150 patients have left isolation centers since late May to find food. The outbreak has now claimed 254 lives.

   What's confirmed:

   • Confirmed Ebola cases in eastern Congo have reached 1,003.
   • There have been 254 deaths associated with the outbreak.
   • Over 150 people have escaped Ebola treatment and isolation facilities since late May.
   • The outbreak was officially declared on 15 May.
   • The virus is affecting Ituri province.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • At least 78 healthcare workers have fallen ill and 18 have died.
   • Action Against Hunger warns of a lack of funding and resources in Mongbwalu.
   confidence 95%
4. 13d ago

   Ebola Patients Flee Congo Treatment Centers Amid Hunger Crisis

   A severe hunger crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo is undermining efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus. More than 150 patients have escaped treatment and isolation facilities since late May to search for food. The outbreak has spread into more health zones, with confirmed cases reaching 896.

   What's confirmed:

   • The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
   • More than 150 patients have fled Ebola treatment and isolation centers since late May to find food.
   • Confirmed Ebola cases in the Congo have risen to 896.
   • The death toll from the outbreak has passed 200.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The Africa CDC says this Ebola outbreak may be the worst ever.
   • More than 70 Congo medics have been infected since the outbreak started.
   • 17 medics have died during the outbreak.
   • At least 30 deaths occurred at a single Congo camp.
   confidence 90%