Kinshasa, DRC — July 16, 2026 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded an alarm, reporting that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is expanding at an alarming rate, surpassing the pace of any previous epidemic.
As of July 2026, over 2,000 confirmed cases, including 796 deaths, have been reported since the outbreak was declared two months prior.
The current Ebola outbreak in the DRC is attributed to the Bundibugyo species, for which no vaccine or specific treatment exists.
The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the region, which hinders response efforts. Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, noted that 80% of new cases stem from unknown chains of transmission.
The outbreak is concentrated in the eastern province of Ituri, where health workers are facing immense challenges in containing the virus.
The rapid spread has been attributed to the absence of an approved vaccine for the virus strain and the ongoing conflict, which complicates containment efforts.
In response, the WHO has been investing in laboratories, surveillance systems, and trained response teams.
The DRC’s Ministry of Health declared the end of a previous Ebola outbreak in December 2025, but the current situation highlights the ongoing challenges in managing such outbreaks in the region.
The WHO emphasizes the need for early detection and global support to manage the current outbreak effectively.
As the Ebola outbreak in the DRC intensifies, the international community is urged to provide additional support to contain the virus’s spread and protect the affected populations.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE 24
