By Senior Editor, China Africa News
Kinshasa, July 7,2026 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains in an “expansion phase,” with new infections continuing to emerge despite ongoing efforts to contain the deadly virus.
Health officials say the outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, is being driven by population movement, delayed detection of cases, and insecurity in some affected areas, all of which have complicated response efforts. Medical teams are working to strengthen disease surveillance, trace contacts of infected individuals, and expand access to treatment and vaccination where available.
The DRC is no stranger to Ebola. Over the past several decades, the country has experienced multiple outbreaks, including the 2018–2020 epidemic in the eastern provinces that claimed more than 2,200 lives and became the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded. While health authorities have gained valuable experience in responding to the disease, recurring outbreaks continue to expose weaknesses in healthcare systems, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
The WHO says the current outbreak has become the largest ever associated with the Bundibugyo strain, underscoring the need for sustained international support. Health experts continue to urge communities to report symptoms early and cooperate with contact-tracing teams, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment remain critical to limiting transmission.
As response teams intensify their efforts, global health agencies warn that containing the outbreak will require continued funding, strong community engagement, and improved access to affected communities.
