Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed 8,000 confirmed cases, with health authorities reporting thousands of deaths as shortages of healthcare workers and difficulties with contact tracing complicate efforts to control the disease.

According to the latest figures available through September 26, the outbreak has reached 8,067 confirmed cases and 3,901 deaths, giving a confirmed-case fatality rate of about 48%. The outbreak has spread across 63 health zones in seven provinces.

Deadliest Ebola Outbreak in Congo

The current outbreak began in May 2026 and is being caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola virus.

The World Health Organization has described the outbreak as geographically expanding, with sustained transmission continuing in several affected areas. It has become the largest recorded Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak and the largest Ebola outbreak recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ituri Remains a Major Epicentre

Ituri province continues to account for a substantial proportion of reported infections, while North Kivu has also experienced significant transmission.

The geographical spread has increased concerns about maintaining surveillance, rapidly identifying new infections and ensuring that patients reach treatment facilities early.

Shortage of Health Workers

Healthcare facilities are facing significant pressure as the outbreak continues.

Health officials and international agencies have warned that shortages of medical personnel are making it more difficult to provide treatment, conduct surveillance and maintain infection-prevention measures.

The crisis is also affecting routine healthcare services in some communities, as fear of infection and operational difficulties discourage people from seeking medical care.

Contact Tracing Challenges

Contact tracing is an important part of Ebola control because people who have been exposed to an infected person can be monitored for symptoms and rapidly isolated if illness develops.

However, insecurity, population movement and difficulties reaching communities have complicated the process.

WHO has also highlighted delayed detection and deaths occurring within communities as continuing challenges in the response.

No Specific Treatment or Vaccine for This Strain

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus. Unlike some other Ebola outbreaks, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment specifically available for Bundibugyo virus disease.

Researchers and health authorities are nevertheless working on medical countermeasures while response teams continue surveillance, clinical care, infection prevention and community engagement.

Risk Beyond Congo

WHO has assessed the risk within the Democratic Republic of Congo as very high and the risk for neighbouring countries sharing land borders as high. At the same time, WHO’s assessment has placed the risk at the broader global level as low.

Authorities are therefore maintaining border surveillance and preparedness measures while attempting to limit further geographical expansion.

Public Health Response Continues

The response includes laboratory testing, disease surveillance, contact tracing, clinical treatment, infection-control measures and community engagement.

International health organisations are also working with Congolese authorities to maintain essential healthcare services while responding to the Ebola outbreak.

The latest increase in confirmed infections and deaths underscores the continuing pressure on Congo’s health system and the importance of rapid detection and access to care.