In DR Congo, large-scale Ebola virus infection outbreak continues: more than 900 cases

The spread of Bundibugyo Ebola virus infection continues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 900 suspected cases of infection have been recorded in the country, of which about 220 have resulted in death.

As WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported, epidemiological services have been able to trace only about 20% of those who came into contact with the infected — that is 1,745 people — which significantly complicates control of the situation.

Despite the strengthening of border controls and the closure of a number of borders with neighboring states, it has not yet been possible to contain the spread of the virus. Within the country, violations of the isolation regime are being recorded; at least 18 people have escaped from a center for persons suspected of having the infection, and their whereabouts are unknown.

The situation is exacerbated by armed conflicts, the activities of insurgent groups and large-scale internal population displacement, as well as limited resources for international humanitarian aid.

The WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern in mid-May 2026; however, according to experts, the outbreak may have begun several weeks or even months before its official detection and has already become one of the largest in the history of observations.

The lack of approved vaccines and specific treatment makes isolation of the sick, contact tracing and supportive therapy the main methods of control. Humanitarian organizations note that the region's medical services are operating under conditions of acute resource shortages and limited access to affected areas due to ongoing armed clashes.

Source: Meduza