DRC Ebola Death Toll Reaches 930 as WHO Calls It the Fastest-Growing Outbreak on Record

What the report says

Medical Daily reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo’s health ministry confirmed 930 deaths in an Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus, with 2,344 laboratory-confirmed cases as of data reported around July 20, 2026. The article said 37 deaths were recorded in one 24-hour period from Friday into Saturday, underscoring what the World Health Organization has described as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record.

The outbreak, declared on May 15, is concentrated in northeastern DRC, especially Ituri Province, with spread also reported in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo. Medical Daily cited ECDC figures showing 724 patients hospitalized in isolation and 466 recoveries, while Africa CDC data put the confirmed case fatality rate at 39.7%. The report also noted exported cases linked to travel from DRC, including in Uganda and France.

A major concern is that Bundibugyo ebolavirus differs from the Zaire strain targeted by response tools used in earlier DRC outbreaks. According to the report, there is no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain, and trials are evaluating remdesivir, the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and an experimental vaccine candidate. WHO has reportedly cautioned that confirmed counts may miss wider transmission because surveillance is limited in conflict-affected areas.

Medical Daily said the response is being strained by attacks on health facilities, insecurity and health worker strikes over unpaid wages. The article reported at least 36 health worker deaths and said the direct risk to the United States remains very low, with no domestic cases, while the humanitarian and regional public health risks in eastern DRC remain severe.