As of May 24, 2026, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed over 200 lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak, centered in the northeastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, has raised concerns about potential spread to neighboring countries.
The WHO has reported more than 300 confirmed cases since the outbreak was declared in April 2026. Health authorities are struggling to contain the virus due to ongoing conflict, population displacement, and limited healthcare infrastructure in the region.
Efforts to vaccinate frontline workers and at-risk communities are underway, with over 50,000 doses of the Ebola vaccine deployed. However, the WHO warns that cross-border movement and community resistance pose significant challenges to containment.
Neighboring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan, have heightened surveillance and preparedness measures. The WHO has not declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) at this time, but continues to monitor the situation closely.
