Kinshasa, DRC — The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing what could become the worst Ebola outbreak in its history, with health officials and international organizations warning of a rapid escalation in the number of cases.
As of June 16, 2026, the country reported 8 laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province, with early infections believed to have begun as far back as February 2026.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a dire warning, suggesting that the current outbreak could surpass the previous record-holding Ebola epidemic in West Africa and eastern DRC, which resulted in over 11,000 deaths.
Africa CDC Director — General Jean Kaseya emphasized the urgency of the situation during a virtual meeting of African leaders and international donors, stating that “If we don’t stop the outbreak very soon, it will be worse than what we had in West Africa and eastern DRC. “
The challenge lies in the fact that tens of thousands of people who may have been exposed to Ebola have not yet been traced or contacted. “
The contact tracing is a major indicator and a major issue.
We are missing more than 26,000 people, and we don’t know where they are, and we don’t know if they are contaminating other people, “Kaseya.
The outbreak is occurring in a complex environment, with a humanitarian crisis, remote and densely populated areas, insecurity, and high population and trade movements exacerbating the situation.
The lack of treatment centers and community resistance to stringent hygiene measures further complicates the response efforts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern but did not classify it as a pandemic emergency.
The Bundibugyo species of Ebola involved in this outbreak is one for which there is no vaccine or specific treatment, though work is ongoing to test promising candidates.
The situation in the DRC is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by countries in managing infectious disease outbreaks.
The rapid spread of Ebola underscores the need for a coordinated, multi — faceted approach involving international organizations, governments, and local communities. Without immediate and effective action, the potential for a catastrophic loss of life and the disruption of social and economic activities remains a very real threat.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping that the DRC’s Ebola outbreak can be contained before it reaches its grim potential.
The stakes are high, and the window for action is narrow.
*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: FRANCE24
