KINSHASA / RankWire.AI / – Since the latest outbreak began, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented a total of 8,067 confirmed Ebola cases. As of September 26, the death toll reached 3,901, resulting in a case fatality rate of approximately 48%. Health authorities across the country have reported cases in 63 health zones within seven of the 26 provinces. This outbreak is now the largest and most lethal Ebola epidemic the country has experienced.
The government announced the outbreak on May 15 after confirming the Bundibugyo virus as the cause. It marks the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Bundibugyo virus, one of the Ebola virus species, is known to cause severe illness in humans. According to the World Health Organization, there is no licensed vaccine or approved treatment specifically targeting Bundibugyo virus disease.
While Ituri remains the epicenter of the outbreak, infections have spread to several other regions. The affected provinces include Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, Haut Uele, Bas Uele, and Sud Ubangi. WHO data revealed that by September 23, Ituri had reported cases in 28 of its 36 health zones, whereas North Kivu had cases across 16 of its 34 health zones.
Cases decrease but transmission persists at high levels
Recent reports from the World Health Organization indicate a decline in new infections and fatalities. The WHO stated that incident cases dropped by 20.3% over the two most recent 14-day periods, with deaths decreasing by 24.2% in the same timeframe. Despite these reductions, transmission remains intense in certain parts of Ituri, including areas where health officials continue to observe worsening local trends.
By September 26, health teams had recorded 2,070 recoveries, as efforts in surveillance and treatment persist. Authorities continue contact tracing, laboratory testing, infection prevention, and community outreach in affected zones. Challenges remain, as delays in case detection and timely treatment continue to hinder containment efforts. The high number of community deaths highlights ongoing concerns that infected individuals may not be reaching care early enough.
The outbreak exceeds previous Ebola outbreaks in Congo
The 2026 epidemic has surpassed the scale of the country’s 2018 to 2020 Ebola outbreak, which ultimately recorded 3,481 cases and 2,299 fatalities. Currently, this outbreak ranks as the second-largest Ebola epidemic globally. The largest remains the 2014 to 2016 West Africa epidemic, which involved over 28,600 infections and more than 11,300 deaths.
Health officials continue to track the geographic spread of the disease, as several affected provinces border international territories. Dungu health zone in Haut Uele borders South Sudan, while Sud Ubangi shares borders with the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo. Response teams are maintaining focus on early detection, patient care, and infection control. Despite recent declines in case numbers and fatalities, the latest national data show that Ebola transmission is ongoing.