WHO declares DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak worst on record

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the largest on record. As of July 30, 2026, there have been 3,605 confirmed cases, resulting in 1,587 deaths, giving a fatality rate of 44 per cent. This current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which was first identified on May 15, 2026.

The previous largest outbreak, between 2018 and 2020, had nearly 3,500 cases with nearly 2,300 deaths. The WHO described the current outbreak as "intensifying" with "sustained transmission," rising cases, and expanding geographic spread, making it the most significant Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC. Factors such as insecurity, population displacement, and cross-border movement have hampered response efforts and increased the risk of further spread.

Uganda declared the end of its own Ebola outbreak on July 28, 2026, after 42 days without a new confirmed case. The WHO emphasized the need for heightened surveillance, preparedness, and control measures, especially considering the ongoing transmission in the DRC and the risk of cross-border transmission.