Ebola Outbreak Expands to Five Provinces as Cases Near 1,900 in DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s health ministry announced on Sunday that the ongoing Ebola epidemic has spread to five provinces, raising the total number of confirmed infections to 1,873 and the death toll to 672. The provinces now listed as affected are Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut‑Uele and Tshopo, with the latter two appearing in the national situation report for the first time. Officials say epidemiological investigations link the new cases in Haut‑Uele and Tshopo to the outbreak’s epicentre in Ituri through recent contacts and population movements, indicating that the virus is moving beyond its original focus.

According to the latest situation report, which covers data up to Friday, 763 patients are currently isolated or receiving treatment in dedicated Ebola facilities, and the overall bed occupancy at these centres stands at 95.1 percent. The high utilisation rate underscores the strain on a health system already weakened by years of conflict and under‑funding. So far, 306 patients have been declared recovered, while 299 suspected cases remain under investigation, including 91 deaths among those not yet confirmed. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was first declared on 15 May 2026.

The spread of the disease has also taken a heavy toll on those fighting it on the front lines. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported that a United States humanitarian worker involved in the response tested positive for Ebola, highlighting the occupational hazards faced by responders. Africa CDC data show that at least 112 health workers have been infected since the outbreak began, with 35 of them having died. The agency said that healthcare personnel, humanitarian teams, volunteers and other response staff are operating under intense pressure as they conduct case finding, treat patients and attempt to shield vulnerable communities from further transmission.

Ebola is not the only crisis confronting eastern DR Congo. The region has been embroiled in a protracted conflict involving rebel groups, government forces and foreign militias for more than two decades. Persistent insecurity has displaced millions, hampered development, and left health infrastructure in a fragile state. Outbreaks of infectious diseases, including previous Ebola episodes, cholera and measles, have repeatedly exploited these gaps, making containment efforts especially challenging. The current epidemic adds to a long list of humanitarian emergencies that have strained the capacity of both national authorities and international partners.

The government and its partners are now scaling up surveillance, contact tracing and risk‑assessment activities, particularly in the newly affected provinces. Efforts are also under way to expand treatment capacity, with plans to increase the number of isolation beds and to reinforce infection‑control measures for health workers. International donors have pledged additional resources, but experts warn that without a swift reduction in transmission and improved security conditions, the outbreak could continue to grow, further endangering both civilians and responders.