DRC Ebola Outbreak Surpasses 10,000 Cases Amid Spread

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently managing the largest Ebola disease outbreak in its history, with 10,193 confirmed cases and 4,960 deaths reported as of 28 October 2026. Among those who tested positive for the virus, 2,749 individuals have recovered. The data reported by the DRC remains under continuous review and harmonization.

Virus Spreads Beyond Borders into Kenya and Nigeria

Since the initial outbreak was declared on 15 May 2026, following the discovery of the virus in samples from the Ituri province, the disease has moved beyond the borders of the DRC, making it the fifth country to detect the virus since the initial declaration. Kenya and Nigeria have both recorded imported cases, highlighting the ongoing risk of regional transmission. In Kenya, a patient who arrived from the DRC was isolated at a hospital in Nairobi; samples collected on 5 October tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus at two national laboratories. Despite receiving supportive care, the patient died on 5 October and was given a safe and dignified burial on 6 October. As of 20 October 2026, Kenya reported a total of nine cases, including one death. All eight secondary cases in Kenya were epidemiologically linked to the imported index case and associated with one cluster, comprising four family members and four health and care workers.

Nigeria reported one laboratory-confirmed imported case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on 20 October 2026. The patient had traveled from Uganda on an international flight and developed symptoms on 7 October, four days after arrival. The individual sought medical care on 11 October, and the infection was confirmed on 20 October. As of that date, 44 contacts had been identified and were being monitored by health authorities. To mitigate risks, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African nations are coordinating outbreak control, while authorities emphasize strengthened cross-border collaboration, sustained surveillance, and preparedness to prevent further regional spread.

Crude Case Fatality Ratio Reaches Forty Eight Percent

The current outbreak has a crude case fatality ratio of 48.3%. A significant challenge remains the high number of deaths occurring outside of clinical facilities. Of the 482 deaths reported in the most recent update, 307 occurred within communities, while 175 individuals died while receiving treatment in hospitals. This pattern emphasizes that the rapid recognition of cases, testing, and optimized supportive care are essential to reducing mortality and improving community perceptions and acceptance of health care. Across the affected provinces, 85.4% of identified case contacts are currently under follow-up.

However, the performance of contact follow-up varies significantly by region. Four provinces remain below the 95% threshold: Haut-Uélé at 89.9% (1,286 of 1,430 contacts), Ituri at 92.8% (6,382 of 6,879 contacts), Tshopo at 83.7% (1,077 of 12,086 contacts), and Nord-Kivu at 73.3% (14,423 of 19,675 contacts). In Ituri, seven contacts have progressed to become suspected cases, and performance in Nord-Kivu is considered insufficient. Fifty of the 67 affected health zones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported active cases of the Bundibugyo virus.

Minister Launches Frontline Worker Vaccination Campaign

The Minister of Public Health of the DRC also launched a vaccination campaign for frontline workers using the Ervebo vaccine in Kisangani, primarily targeting the provinces of Tshopo, Bas-Uele, and Haut-Uele. The WHO and its partners are providing technical, scientific, and operational expertise to support these trials. Previous international responses have included the medical evacuation of a healthcare worker from the DRC to the Netherlands for specialized care on 29 September.

The WHO and Africa CDC launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan on 5 June to support nations in addressing the ongoing outbreak. Genomic analysis of samples from the DRC and Uganda has shown sequences distinct from previous outbreaks. Readers are advised that the information regarding transmission chains and specific population groups remains limited. Individuals concerned about symptoms or exposure should consult qualified healthcare professionals or local public health authorities for guidance and appropriate care, rather than relying on generalized information.

More on this story: DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba Says Ebola Epidemic Has Passed Its Peak