Published on: 2026-07-17
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 16, 2026 Healthcare
The Ebola fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to spread, outpacing efforts to contain it. Since the epidemic was declared two months ago, 2,073 cases and 796 deaths have been reported, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
The current outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus has become the third largest in the entire history of observations. Over the last month, the infection spread faster than during any previous Ebola outbreak. For comparison: in 2018-2019 in the DRC, it took more than ten months for the number of confirmed cases to reach two thousand.
Unknown transmission chains
The most severe situation persists in Ituri province. More than 80 percent of new cases are detected among people not included in the lists of known contacts. This indicates that many chains of virus transmission remain unnoticed.
WHO is particularly concerned that about two-thirds of deaths occur outside medical facilities: the sick do not manage to receive the necessary care in time.
Expansion of response measures
Together with national centers for disease control and prevention and other partners, WHO is helping the DRC authorities to scale up measures to combat the outbreak.
The number of places for treating patients has exceeded 800, and the number of laboratories has increased from one to 16. The share of tracked contacts has approached 80 percent. In addition, more than 21 thousand community workers are undergoing training.
Testing of drugs and vaccines
There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for Ebola fever caused by the Bundibugyo virus. However, several drugs are already undergoing clinical trials in the DRC. Earlier this month, specialists began testing the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir. The first safety study of the experimental vaccine ChAdOx1, led by Oxford University, has also started. Additionally, scientists are exploring the potential use of the antiviral drug odesivivir for preventing the disease in people who have come into contact with infected individuals.
Despite the lack of approved treatment, 377 patients have already recovered. WHO emphasizes that early diagnosis and timely medical care significantly increase the chances of survival.
The conflict hinders the fight against the epidemic
The armed conflict hinders access to affected areas and impedes the expansion of response measures. A medical center in the city of Bunia was attacked the day before.
The priorities in combating the Ebola outbreak remain strengthening epidemiological surveillance, safe burial of the deceased, improving the quality of treatment, and engaging with local communities. WHO is also ramping up response measures in provinces where the virus has recently spread to prevent the establishment of sustained transmission chains. However, more than 400 million dollars are lacking to implement the joint plan of WHO and national centers for disease control and prevention.
“This is not charity, but an investment in national security,” WHO emphasized, urging international donors to urgently provide the necessary funding.
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