The DR Congo Ebola outbreak remains uncontrolled, with 7,733 confirmed cases and 3,732 deaths reported by September 20, 2026. Transmission has reached Dungu near the South Sudan border, increasing concern over further cross-border spread.
KINSHASA: The DR Congo Ebola outbreak remains uncontrolled despite a modest national decline in infections, with health authorities facing continued transmission, high mortality and the virus spreading into new areas.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo had recorded 7,733 confirmed cases and 3,732 deaths as of September 20, 2026. The outbreak has affected 63 health zones, while the latest geographical expansion has reached Dungu in Haut-Uélé province, which borders South Sudan.
Transmission patterns vary across provinces
The World Health Organization has warned that the epidemic is becoming increasingly geographically dispersed. While infections have declined in some established transmission areas, the national trend masks significant differences between provinces. Cases fell in Ituri during the latest comparable 21-day period but rose sharply in North Kivu, demonstrating that progress is uneven.
The spread into Dungu is particularly significant because the health zone lies near an international border. WHO continues to assess the risk of further spread within the DRC as very high, while the risk for neighbouring countries sharing land borders with the country is considered high.
Healthcare facilities face mounting pressure
Pressure on healthcare services is another major concern. In North Kivu, standardised Ebola treatment structures were reported to be more than 91 per cent occupied. More than a third of hospitalised patients in the province were being treated outside standardised Ebola facilities, adding pressure to an already difficult emergency response.
Community deaths also remain a serious challenge. Nearly two-thirds of confirmed deaths during the latest reporting week occurred outside treatment facilities. This points to continuing difficulties with early detection, referral and timely access to appropriate care.
WHO highlights continuing response challenges
WHO’s earlier primary outbreak update had already documented sustained transmission and geographical expansion, alongside persistent challenges in detecting cases early and getting patients appropriate care. The current outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, for which WHO says there are currently no licensed vaccines or approved therapeutics specifically targeting the disease.
The DR Congo Ebola outbreak has become the country’s largest and deadliest Ebola epidemic on record and the second-largest Ebola outbreak globally after the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic.
Impact to expect
The continued expansion could increase pressure on healthcare systems and border surveillance in Central and East Africa. Faster detection, treatment access, contact tracing and cross-border preparedness will remain critical to limiting further transmission.
