# DR Congo's Ebola Outbreak Exceeds 3,500 Cases, Impacting Five Provinces

*The Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with its largest Ebola outbreak, surpassing 3,500 cases.*

July 31, 2026 · World

## At a glance

- Over 3,500 Ebola cases confirmed in the DRC.
- 1,556 deaths reported from the current outbreak.
- No approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recorded over 3,500 cases of Ebola, surpassing the total from the deadliest outbreak between 2018 and 2020. Official figures released on Friday show 3,532 confirmed cases across five provinces, with 1,556 deaths. This outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, is the country's 17th and has no approved vaccine or treatment.

## Situation Overview

The current Ebola outbreak in the DRC, centered in northeastern Ituri province, has spread to four other provinces including North Kivu and South Kivu. These regions are conflict-ridden, complicating response efforts. The outbreak was declared two months ago, and cases have more than doubled since mid-July.

## Response and Challenges

Efforts to contain the outbreak are ongoing, with challenges posed by the conflict and lack of an approved vaccine. However, Singapore-based Hilleman Laboratories announced the development of a vaccine described by the World Health Organization as the'most promising' for the current outbreak. Additionally, Oxford University is conducting clinical trials for another Bundibugyo vaccine.

## Regional Impact

Uganda, which shares a border with the affected regions, declared itself Ebola-free this week after the recovery of the last local transmission case. However, the WHO warns that the country remains at risk due to the spread in the DRC.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/dr-congo-ebola-outbreak-tops-3500-cases