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DR Congo Ebola outbreak tops 500 deaths amid expanding cases
The World Health Organization reports that the Bundibugyo‑virus Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths, the highest toll recorded for this strain. Cases have spread to three provinces in eastern Congo and to neighbouring Uganda, where 20 infections and two deaths have been confirmed. An imported case was also identified in France.
Because no approved vaccine or treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain, WHO launched the PARTNERS adaptive trial on 2 July 2026, enrolling patients to evaluate the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral remdesivir, with supplies donated by the United States and Gilead. Treatment centres are nearing capacity, with occupancy around 90 %.
Front‑line health workers have warned of possible strike action over unpaid benefits and inadequate supplies, raising concerns about the ability to contain the outbreak as population movements continue to fuel transmission.