GENEVA/UNITED NATIONS/ADDIS ABABA – A senior official from the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that healthcare workers were among the first people infected when the current Ebola outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May 2026. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that 75 medics have been infected to date.
The outbreak, which started in early May 2026, has primarily affected rural areas in the eastern DRC. The WHO has deployed rapid response teams to contain the spread, but challenges remain due to limited access and community mistrust.
As of June 20, 2026, the total number of confirmed cases stands at 312, with 189 deaths reported. The case fatality rate is approximately 60%, consistent with previous Ebola outbreaks in the region.
The WHO emphasized the need for increased protection for healthcare workers, including access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and vaccination. The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine is being used in ring vaccination campaigns.
International partners, including UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières, are supporting the DRC Ministry of Health in response efforts. The WHO has not declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) at this time.
