[REVISION HISTORY]

DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in national record

Updated 41 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-24 17:54 UTC → 2026-08-24 18:40 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially become the deadliest in the nation’s history, surpassing the record set during the 2018–2020 epidemic. As of late August 2026, the National Institute of Public Health reports 5,514 confirmed cases and 2,642 deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of approximately 47.9 percent. The epidemic is spreading rapidly across six provinces—Ituri, North Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, South Kivu, and ~~Bas-Uélé.~~ Bas-Uélé—covering a territory larger than France. Ituri province has emerged as the epicenter, accounting for over 83 percent of all confirmed cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, noting that the epidemic is spreading faster than containment efforts can ~~manage.~~ manage and warning of potential regional expansion. Security challenges and violence ~~against medical personnel and humanitarian workers~~ continue to hinder response efforts. The Red Cross has reported attacks on volunteers and the destruction of medical ~~equipment.~~ equipment, while other reports indicate ambulances have been targeted and health workers injured. These incidents, alongside mass displacements and infrastructure deficiencies, have obstructed essential activities such as contact tracing, vaccination, and safe burials. In response, the ~~WHO has dispatched over 16,000~~ first batch of 16,520 doses of the Ervebo vaccine ~~to the country.~~ has arrived in Kinshasa, with an additional 50,000 doses expected shortly. While Ervebo was originally designed for the Zaire strain, laboratory data suggests it may offer protection against the Bundibugyo strain, and it is being utilized in clinical trials to ~~determine its effectiveness against~~ confirm effectiveness. Additionally, Pope Leo XIV has issued an urgent appeal to the ~~Bundibugyo strain.~~ international community to support containment efforts and involve local communities in prevention strategies.

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