DRC Ebola Crisis 2026: 3,600+ Cases, No Approved Vaccine, Death Toll Rising
A deadly Ebola outbreak has gripped the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Uganda since May 2026, with over 3,600 confirmed cases and nearly 1,600 deaths recorded as of late July; a case fatality rate of 44%. AP News
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists. Existing therapies developed for the more common Zaire strain have proven ineffective, leaving frontline health workers dangerously exposed. Over 150 healthcare workers have been infected, with 44 deaths among them.
The crisis is concentrated in Ituri Province, which accounts for 88% of all cases, but has spread across five DRC provinces and 49 health zones. Conflict, displacement, and population movement continue to hamper containment efforts.
WHO and Africa CDC declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 16. The UK, US, and EU have pledged combined funding exceeding $140 million. CEPI has backed three vaccine candidates from Moderna, IAVI, and Oxford, though none are yet approved.
The outbreak is ongoing. Read our previous article on Ebola 2026 outbreak here.
