Congo says the death toll in fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has passed 1,500
Summary
More than 1,500 people have died in the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, with over 3,400 cases reported since it began in May 2026. The outbreak is mainly in Ituri province and is linked to the Bundibugyo virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak started on May 15, 2026, and has caused 1,521 deaths out of 3,442 cases as of late July.
- About 797 patients are currently isolated or hospitalized, and 615 people have recovered.
- Contact tracing is only at 78%, below the 95% target needed to control the spread.
- Violence, armed conflict, and illegal mining in the region disrupt response efforts and make tracing contacts harder.
- The outbreak mainly affects Ituri province but has spread to five other provinces, including Kisangani, one of Congo’s largest cities.
- This outbreak is faster and deadlier than the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa.
- The World Health Organization says global spread risks are low due to Ebola spreading through direct contact with bodily fluids, not through the air.
- Attacks on health facilities and misinformation about Ebola are blocking health workers and causing some aid groups to withdraw temporarily.
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