WHO declares DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak largest in country’s history

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) the largest ever recorded in the country’s history, warning that the disease continues to spread rapidly.

 

In a statement posted on its official X account on Saturday, the WHO described the outbreak as “intensifying” with sustained transmission, rising infections and increasing deaths.

 

According to the global health agency, the outbreak has recorded 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30, representing a case fatality rate of 44 per cent.

 

The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and was officially declared on May 15, 2026.

 

The WHO said the outbreak had now surpassed the country’s previous largest Ebola epidemic between 2018 and 2020, which recorded nearly 3,500 cases and about 2,300 deaths.

 

“The Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in the DRC is intensifying, with sustained transmission, rising cases and deaths, and expanding geographic spread. This is now the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the country.

 

“As of 30 July 2026, 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths have been reported. The continued rise in cases, widening spread, and high mortality highlight the growing nature of this public health emergency. During the past week, the outbreak reached its highest weekly total, with 567 cases and 296 deaths, underscoring the exceptional pace of transmission.

 

“Factors like insecurity, population displacement and cross-border movement continue to hamper response efforts and increase the risk of further spread. While national authorities, WHO and partners are implementing extensive response measures, a substantial scale-up of operations across all activities is needed to get ahead of the outbreak,” the organisation said.

 

The WHO identified Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, which borders South Sudan and Uganda, as the epicentre of the outbreak.

 

The agency also noted that Uganda declared an end to its Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without a new locally transmitted case following the discharge of the last confirmed patient on June 16.

 

“The most recent imported case was discharged from a treatment centre on 16 July after two negative test results. Following international guidance, WHO will be monitoring the situation for 42 days from this date to ensure no chains of transmission have been missed.

 

“Uganda remains at risk of imported cases and re-introduction of BVD due to ongoing transmission in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO reiterates the need to maintain heightened surveillance, preparedness and control measures, particularly in view of continued population movement and the risk of cross-border transmission,” the organisation added.