Ebola Death Toll Passes 500 In DR Congo Less Than Two Months After Outbreak Began

Published 6 July 2026 · health

Ebola Death Toll Passes 500 In DR Congo Less Than Two Months After Outbreak Began Published By, Last Updated: July 06, 2026, 23:08 IST The

Ebola Death Toll Passes 500 In DR Congo Less Than Two Months After Outbreak Began Published By, Last Updated: July 06, 2026, 23:08 IST The outbreak, declared in mid-May, has so far recorded 1,561 confirmed infections and 506 confirmed deaths. Healthcare workers carry a patient on a stretcher suffering from Ebola in Bunia, Ituri, in the east of the DR of Congo. (AFP photo) More than 500 people have died in the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), less than two months after the disease was declared in the region, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak, declared in mid-May, has so far recorded 1,561 confirmed infections and 506 confirmed deaths. WHO data, based on figures from Congolese health authorities, shows the outbreak has a case fatality rate of 32 per cent. While 254 patients have recovered, another 354 suspected cases remain under investigation.

The outbreak has spread across four provinces in northeastern DR Congo, with Ituri province emerging as the worst-affected area. Neighbouring Uganda has also reported two Ebola-related deaths, although officials say the situation there remains under control. Of the country’s 20 confirmed cases, 16 patients have recovered. Rare Ebola Strain Under Watch The current outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments. In a significant step, researchers last week launched a clinical trial in DR Congo to test two potential therapies — the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir — both individually and in combination. Health authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely as efforts to contain transmission face challenges in conflict-affected areas where access to healthcare remains limited. WHO Warns Pandemic Threat Persists The grim milestone comes as WHO member states resume negotiations on the remaining elements of a global pandemic agreement designed to strengthen preparedness for future health emergencies.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Ebola outbreak serves as a stark reminder that the world cannot afford to delay preparations for the next pandemic. “The Ebola outbreak still unfolding in the DRC right now is proof of that. It is not some distant, hypothetical scenario in a briefing document. It is happening… Ebola may not be the next pandemic. But it is a reminder, a painful one, that the threat never truly goes away," Ghebreyesus said. DR Congo declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 after unexplained deaths were reported in Ituri province. The virus spreads through close contact with infected people or bodily fluids. (With inputs from AFP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.