DRC Ebola outbreak kills 864, 2,181 cases confirmed

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recorded 864 deaths and 2,181 confirmed cases of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain since the outbreak was declared on 15 May 2026. Health officials report a case‑fatality rate of 39.6 %. In the latest 24‑hour period the ministry logged 56 new infections and 36 additional deaths, with 722 patients still isolated or hospitalized and 412 recovered. Contact‑tracing efforts have reached 66.9 % of identified contacts.

The virus remains concentrated in the eastern provinces of Ituri (epicentre), North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut‑Uele and the central‑north district of Tshopo. neighbouring Uganda has reported 20 cases, 15 of which were imported from the DRC, and two deaths; the last patient was discharged and the country has begun a 42‑day enhanced surveillance period.

The International Organization for Migration warned that the movement of deceased victims’ bodies within the DRC is accelerating transmission, citing intercepted transports and unsafe burials. Logistical hurdles, diagnostic delays and shortages of protective equipment are further hampering the response, while the outbreak continues to pose a serious regional health threat.