DRC, June 19, 2026 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding the rapid escalation of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The situation, described as “evolving fast, “poses significant challenges to containment efforts.
The outbreak, which originated in the Ituri province and has since spread to North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. This strain is particularly concerning as it lacks a vaccine or specific treatment, exacerbating the health crisis.
As of June 10, 2026, the WHO reported 676 confirmed cases in DR Congo, including 136 deaths.
The situation is further complicated by the remote and densely populated areas, as well as ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises, which hinder response efforts.
The WHO has emphasized the importance of community engagement in the response, noting that the virus is spreading through family clusters and health facilities. This underscores the need for education on safe caregiving, family gatherings, and funeral practices.
Efforts to contain the outbreak are being bolstered by international organizations, including the deployment of additional health workers and resources.
The WHO has also called for cross — border coordination between DRC and neighboring countries to prevent further spread.
In response to the crisis, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has announced the fast-tracking of three investigational vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo ebolavirus. These vaccines are being developed by IAVI, Moderna, and the University of Oxford, with manufacturing support from the Serum Institute of India.
The ongoing outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by countries in the region in responding to infectious disease outbreaks, emphasizing the need for continued research and development efforts.
The situation in the DRC remains critical, with the potential for the outbreak to spread further within the country and to neighboring countries.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE 24
