WHO Warns Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Spreading at Exceptional Rate

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Ebola outbreak in DR Congo.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recorded its 17th Ebola outbreak since 15 May, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to warn that the disease is spreading at an “exceptional” pace and urging a stronger international health response.

According to the WHO, confirmed Ebola cases have reached 3,874, with the death toll rising to 1,751 since the outbreak began. In some of the worst-affected areas, infections have doubled within a single week, highlighting the growing challenge facing health authorities.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak is advancing faster than efforts to contain it. He called for greater efforts to reach affected communities despite security challenges, improve coordination between response teams, protect healthcare workers, accelerate treatment for patients and ensure safe burial practices.

The WHO said the current outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The organisation warned that weak health infrastructure in eastern parts of the country is making efforts to control the spread of the virus more difficult.

During Ghebreyesus’s visit to the DRC, the United States announced more than $242 million in additional support for Ebola response efforts, bringing its total direct assistance to more than $500 million. Washington also called on other countries to increase their contributions to help contain the outbreak.

The latest crisis comes after the DRC experienced its deadliest Ebola outbreak between 2018 and 2020, when nearly 3,500 cases were recorded and around 2,300 people died.

The WHO has stressed that rapid action, stronger health systems and international cooperation are essential to preventing further loss of life and bringing the outbreak under control.


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