Ebola Outbreak 2026: DRC Crisis Far From Under Control as Cases Pass 4,900 — What You Need to Know

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the largest and fastest-growing Ebola epidemic ever recorded in the country, with nearly 5,000 confirmed cases and more than 2,300 deaths — and the World Health Organization (WHO) warns it is “far from being under control.” The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in May 2026, and global health leaders are now racing to contain its spread across central and eastern Africa.

Ebola outbreak 2026: The numbers so far

As of 15 August 2026, the DRC reported 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths — a case fatality rate of roughly 47%. The outbreak is the deadliest in the country’s history, surpassing the 2018–2020 epidemic that killed 2,299 people.

• Ituri province remains the epicentre: 4,194 cases and 1,838 deaths across 28 health zones
• North Kivu: 596 cases, including 417 deaths
• Haut-Uélé: 138 cases, 62 deaths
• Cases have now spread to six provinces — Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo and Bas-Uélé — across 55 health zones
• 730 patients are currently hospitalised in isolation
• At least 155 health workers have been infected, with 45 deaths

During the most recent reporting week, the outbreak recorded its highest weekly numbers yet: 579 new cases and 304 deaths, according to WHO data.

‘Far from being under control’ — WHO warning

Speaking at the second meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee on 18 August, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was blunt about the scale of the crisis.

“We must be frank: the epidemic is far from being under control. It had a big head start, and we are still playing catch-up.”

Tedros warned the outbreak is “moving faster than any previous Ebola outbreak” and that “the risk of further national and international spread remains high.” WHO currently assesses the public health risk as very high in the DRC, high in Uganda and neighbouring border countries, and low for the rest of the world.

What is Bundibugyo virus disease?

Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) is a severe form of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, one of six species in the Orthoebolavirus genus. Fruit bats are suspected to be the natural reservoir.

BVD was first identified during outbreaks in Uganda in 2007 (30% fatality) and the DRC in 2012 (50% fatality). Unlike the Zaire ebolavirus behind the 2013–2016 West Africa epidemic — which killed more than 11,300 people — no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments exist for Bundibugyo virus, making containment far harder.

Symptoms of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus)

The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. Early symptoms are non-specific and easily mistaken for malaria or flu, which delays detection:

• Sudden fever and chills
• Severe fatigue and weakness
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headache and sore throat
• Later: vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and organ dysfunction
• In some cases: unexplained bleeding (haemorrhagic manifestations)

People are not infectious until symptoms appear — a key fact for travellers and contacts.

How Ebola spreads

Bundibugyo virus spreads through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or organs of infected people, or with contaminated surfaces and materials. Transmission is amplified in two settings:

• Healthcare facilities where infection prevention and control measures are inadequate
• Unsafe burial practices involving direct contact with the deceased

The outbreak is unfolding amid a severe humanitarian crisis, with large-scale displacement, armed group activity and 12 recorded attacks on healthcare facilities since the PHEIC was declared. These factors are fuelling undetected transmission.

Imported cases and travel advice

Three imported cases have been reported outside the outbreak zone: two U.S. citizens medically evacuated to Germany, and one French humanitarian doctor who recovered with no secondary transmission. Uganda declared its outbreak over on 28 July 2026 after 20 cases and two deaths.

WHO does not recommend any restrictions on travel or trade with affected countries. Travellers to the region should:

• Avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids of sick people
• Avoid touching bodies at funerals or burial ceremonies in affected areas
• Avoid contact with bats and non-human primates, and raw bushmeat
• Wash hands frequently and use alcohol-based sanitiser
• Seek immediate medical care if fever develops within 21 days of returning, and mention travel history

The global response

DRC authorities, WHO, Africa CDC and partners are scaling up surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, treatment centres and community engagement. More than 85% of identified contacts are under follow-up, and a six-month continental preparedness plan is guiding the response. WHO stresses that rapid case recognition, testing and optimised supportive care can reduce mortality.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2026 Ebola outbreak a global threat?

WHO assesses the global risk as low. The risk is very high in the DRC and high in neighbouring countries, mainly Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Central African Republic, due to cross-border movement and trade.

Is there a vaccine for Bundibugyo virus?

No. Existing Ebola vaccines target the Zaire and Sudan species. No approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists for Bundibugyo virus, which is why outbreak control relies on case isolation, contact tracing, safe burials and community engagement.

How is Bundibugyo virus different from other Ebola viruses?

It is one of six Orthoebolavirus species. Its fatality rate (roughly 30–50% in past outbreaks) is lower than Zaire ebolavirus (up to 90%), but it behaves similarly — spreading through bodily fluids and amplified in healthcare settings.

Should I cancel travel to Africa because of Ebola?

WHO advises against travel restrictions. The outbreak is confined to specific provinces in eastern DRC. If you are travelling to the region, follow the precautions above and monitor your health for 21 days after returning.

What should I do if I develop a fever after visiting the DRC?

Seek medical care immediately, tell your doctor about your travel history, and avoid close contact with others while symptomatic. Early supportive care significantly improves survival.

Sources: World Health Organization (WHO) Disease Outbreak News, 18 August 2026; ECDC epidemiological update, 18 August 2026; WHO Director-General remarks to the IHR Emergency Committee, 18 August 2026; U.S. CDC situation summary.