Friday, May 29, 2026-The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 906 suspected Ebola cases and 223 suspected deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), underscoring the rapid escalation of the outbreak across eastern provinces.
Health officials say the figures continue to rise as surveillance expands and more communities come under active monitoring. The outbreak, driven by the Bundibugyo strain, is being described as one of the most complex in recent years due to its spread across conflict-affected and hard-to-reach regions.
WHO data shows the outbreak has now spread across multiple provinces including Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, with both confirmed and suspected cases increasing as testing capacity improves.
Uganda has also recorded imported cases linked to cross-border movement, raising regional concern and prompting tighter health screening at entry points. Experts warn that insecurity, displacement, and weak health infrastructure are accelerating transmission and making contact tracing increasingly difficult.
Health authorities are urgently scaling up response efforts, including expanded testing, community surveillance, and international support to contain the outbreak before it spreads further.
The WHO has stressed that the situation remains highly dynamic and that real case numbers may still be undercounted. With no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, officials are emphasizing early detection, isolation, and coordinated cross-border action as the only immediate tools to slow transmission.
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