Ebola outbreak in Africa 'likely far worse' than official figures suggest, IRC warns
Summary
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is likely much worse than official numbers show, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The disease has been spreading undetected for months, and efforts to track and control it are currently weak, with only about 20% of contacts being traced.Key Facts
- More than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases and over 200 suspected deaths reported in the DRC; 282 cases and 42 deaths confirmed so far.
- Ebola may have spread undetected for up to three months before being officially confirmed in mid-May 2026.
- Only about 20% of people who have come into contact with Ebola patients are being traced and monitored by health workers.
- Nine travel-related Ebola cases and one death have been confirmed in Uganda; there is concern the virus could spread to neighboring countries like Burundi and South Sudan.
- Shortages of testing supplies and delays in confirming cases make it harder to understand how far the outbreak has spread.
- At least six healthcare workers, including two doctors, have died from Ebola in the current outbreak.
- The current Ebola strain, Bundibugyo virus, does not yet have an approved vaccine, but three potential vaccines are being developed quickly.
- The outbreak resembles the 2018–2020 North Kivu Ebola outbreak, which had over 3,400 cases and 2,200 deaths, but current circumstances make control challenging.
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