KINSHASA / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has confirmed 8,067 Ebola cases in its latest outbreak. Health authorities recorded 3,901 deaths through September 26, putting the fatality rate near 48%. The outbreak has reached 63 health zones across seven provinces. It has become the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak recorded in the country. The DRC Ministry of Public Health declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory testing identified Bundibugyo virus as the cause.
This outbreak marks the 17th Ebola epidemic documented in the country. The Bundibugyo virus, which can cause severe illness and spreads via direct contact with infected bodily fluids, is responsible. According to the World Health Organization, there is no licensed vaccine or approved treatment specifically targeting this Ebola strain. Response efforts have depended on surveillance, testing, clinical care, infection control, and contact tracing. Community outreach remains a vital component as authorities strive to detect infections early and connect patients with treatment centers.
While Ituri continues to be the primary transmission zone, infections have extended beyond that province. Cases have also emerged in North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, Haut Uele, Bas Uele, and Sud Ubangi. By September 23, Ituri reported infections in 28 of its 36 health zones, and North Kivu had cases in 16 of its 34 zones. The widespread geographical distribution has compelled health teams to maintain vigilant surveillance across urban, rural, and border regions.
Recent decline in new cases from peak levels
Recent data indicates a decrease in new infections and deaths compared to earlier outbreak phases. Incident cases have fallen by 20.3% over the last two 14-day periods, while fatalities declined by 24.2% in the same timeframe. Despite this progress, transmission remains high in parts of Ituri, with some areas still experiencing active spread. Health teams persist in testing, contact monitoring, and reinforcing infection prevention measures at treatment sites and other locations managing suspected or confirmed Ebola cases.
By September 26, authorities had recorded 2,070 recoveries. Efforts continue with laboratory testing, patient care, and community monitoring across affected provinces. Difficulties in promptly identifying some infections have hindered swift patient transfers into treatment. Community deaths, which can occur before patients reach specialized facilities, continue to be a concern. Early detection is critical for minimizing exposure risks among family members, caregivers, and health workers who may come into contact with infected individuals.
The outbreak surpasses previous DRC records
The current 2026 Ebola outbreak has exceeded the scale of the nation’s 2018 to 2020 epidemic, which recorded 3,481 cases and 2,299 fatalities. It also ranks as the second-largest Ebola outbreak globally, after the 2014 to 2016 West Africa epidemic that reported over 28,600 infections and more than 11,300 deaths. This comparison underscores the exceptional magnitude of the current crisis within the DRC’s extensive history of Ebola emergencies.
Health officials continue to monitor border zones as the outbreak affects provinces near neighboring countries. Haut Uele borders South Sudan, while Sud Ubangi shares boundaries with the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo. Surveillance, contact tracing, testing, treatment, and infection control are ongoing. The latest figures indicate that transmission has slowed from recent peaks but has not been eliminated. With over 8,000 confirmed cases and nearly 4,000 deaths, this outbreak remains one of the most severe Ebola crises recorded.