KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to 5,021, with 2,378 people reported to have died from the disease, according to the latest government health data.
The outbreak, which was declared on May 15, 2026, has become the largest Ebola outbreak in the DRC’s history in terms of the number of reported cases and deaths.
It has also become the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak globally, behind the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic.
The outbreak is being caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.
Health authorities have warned that the disease is spreading rapidly and that efforts to contain it are being hampered by weak health infrastructure, insecurity, population displacement and resistance within some communities.
The eastern province of Ituri remains one of the worst-affected areas. Health workers are facing additional challenges as insecurity and attacks on response teams make it difficult to trace contacts and provide treatment.
The World Health Organization has warned that the epidemic remains far from being under control and that the risk of further national and international spread remains high.
Authorities and international health partners continue to strengthen surveillance, treatment and community outreach efforts as they seek to slow the spread of the virus.
