Current Ebola outbreak worst ever in DR Congo, WHO says

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the biggest in the country's history, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said. As of 30 July, there were 3,605 confirmed cases including 1,587 deaths - a fatality rate of 44%. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. It was declared on 15 May 2026 and surpasses the previous biggest outbreak between 2018 and 2020, which had nearly 3,500 recorded cases of whom almost 2,300 died. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, but vaccines are being developed in the UK and Singapore.

Missing media or need the complete publisher report? Open BBC World

Scoop News DeskDR Congo · Published Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 4:16 PM UTCUpdated Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 4:32 PM UTC

Scoop News reporting summary

The text below was supplied by the Scoop Newsroom app. Third-party reporting is attributed in the source panel.

The WHO said in a statement posted on X , external that the outbreak was "intensifying, with sustained transmission and continued increases in reported cases and deaths". A twisty mystery starring Nikki Amuka‑Bird and John Simm Unmasking the criminals hiding behind deepfakes William and Kate bring children to Commonwealth Games netball and cycling events Nine killed in strikes on Kyiv, as Ukraine sinks Russian container ship Sir John Curtice: The 'Burnham bounce' is real but it's not massive Soap star Shane Richie facing drink-drive charge Faisal Islam: Four reasons why Fifa's World Cup plan never stacked up Greek police fast-tracking tests to find out how British woman found in suitcase died Current Ebola outbreak worst ever in DR Congo, WHO says.