WHO Declares DRC Ebola Outbreak Largest on Record

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the largest outbreak ever recorded in the country. As of July 30, 2026, there are 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of 44 percent.

This outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, was officially declared on May 15, 2026, and has surpassed the previous largest outbreak from 2018 to 2020, which had nearly 3,500 cases and approximately 2,300 deaths. The WHO reported that the outbreak is intensifying, with a significant rise in cases and deaths, particularly noting a peak of 567 cases and 296 deaths in the past week.

The outbreak is centered in the Ituri province, which borders South Sudan and Uganda. Factors such as insecurity and population displacement are complicating response efforts.

The WHO is working with national authorities and partners to implement extensive response measures, emphasizing the need for a substantial scale-up of operations.