Fast-growing Ebola outbreak in DRC surges to second-largest on record

A rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the second-largest on record globally by late July 2026, prompting significant international concern. Declared in mid-May 2026 in Ituri Province, the epidemic has quickly surpassed 3,500 confirmed cases and resulted in over 1,500 deaths, spreading across five provinces in the DR Congo and into neighboring Uganda. This current outbreak is particularly challenging as it is caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists.

The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026. Efforts to contain the virus are being hampered by multiple factors, including ongoing insecurity, attacks on health facilities, insufficient community engagement, and difficulties with contact tracing. Aid organizations and health officials are struggling to curb the spread amidst these complexities, while the United Nations has warned of severe economic repercussions, potentially increasing poverty and costing the DRC over $1 billion.