DR Congo Ebola Death Toll Nears 500 Amid Rising Community Transmission

July 5, 2026

Kinshasa: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 1,528 confirmed Ebola cases, including 492 deaths, as the country’s latest outbreak continues to expand.

According to a situation report released by the DRC public health authorities, 239 patients have recovered, while 628 confirmed patients remain in isolation or hospital care. Authorities have also identified 185 suspected cases.

Community Transmission Continues to Rise

The report said weekly confirmed cases have continued to increase, with epidemiological weeks 25 and 26 recording the highest levels so far, each exceeding 300 cases. Health officials said the figures indicate sustained community transmission.

Authorities cited several challenges in controlling the outbreak, including community resistance to post-mortem sampling, limited capacity at Ebola treatment centres, inadequate contact tracing, delays in laboratory diagnosis, shortages of medical supplies and insecurity in affected areas, particularly in North Kivu.

WHO Calls Outbreak Largest Bundibugyo Ebola Epidemic

Speaking at an online media briefing, WHO Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Yakub Janabi said the situation remains serious, with transmission continuing in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.

Janabi described the current outbreak as the largest Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak ever recorded.

WHO experts said ongoing insecurity and armed group activity have complicated response efforts, while mining areas with frequent population movement have increased the risk of virus transmission.

DR Congo and Uganda Strengthen Cross-Border Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) said a clinical trial has begun in the DRC to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

Meanwhile, Uganda has reported 20 confirmed Ebola cases, including 15 imported infections. Health officials said the remaining locally infected individuals were detected while in quarantine, with no evidence of community transmission.

To contain the outbreak, Uganda and the DRC have strengthened their joint cross-border response, agreeing to share surveillance data and enhance screening and treatment capacity in border regions.