DR Congo Records 50 to 80 New Ebola Cases Daily — WHO

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is recording between 50 and 80 new confirmed Ebola cases daily, as the country continues to battle a major outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus, the World Health Organisation has warned.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, executive director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, disclosed the figures during an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Ihekweazu said the outbreak had reached approximately 10,000 cases and nearly 5,000 deaths, describing the situation as serious, particularly in the eastern part of the country.

He explained that eight provinces had been affected, with the outbreak spreading across a wide geographical area and placing additional pressure on an already challenged healthcare system.

The outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026, after the virus was believed to have been circulating for several weeks before detection.

According to WHO’s October 23 situation update, the country had recorded 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths as of October 20. The cases were reported across 66 health zones in eight provinces.

Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak, followed by North Kivu. Health authorities have also reported infections in Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, Bas-Uélé, South Kivu, South Ubangi and North Ubangi.

The outbreak has been difficult to contain because of insecurity, challenges in reaching affected communities and gaps in contact tracing. WHO has also raised concerns about people dying in their communities without receiving timely medical care.

The agency’s report indicated that more than 30,000 contacts were under follow-up across six provinces, but monitoring coverage remained below the desired target in several areas.

The Bundibugyo virus responsible for the outbreak is a distinct Ebola species. Unlike the Zaire strain, for which approved vaccines are available, there is no specifically approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. WHO experts have recommended clinical trials to assess whether existing vaccines could provide protection.

The outbreak has also raised regional concerns after imported cases were reported in other countries, including Kenya and Nigeria, prompting strengthened surveillance and preparedness measures.

WHO has called for increased resources, improved early detection, effective contact tracing and stronger community engagement to interrupt transmission.

The organisation continues to advise countries in the region to maintain cross-border surveillance and preparedness while cautioning against unnecessary restrictions on travel or trade with affected countries.