Congo records historic weekly Ebola death toll in eastern outbreak

Kinshasa, August 25, 2026 — Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded its highest weekly death toll from Ebola in the current outbreak. Health authorities reported more than 300 deaths in a single week, a figure described as historic for the disease in the region.

The outbreak has strained local medical facilities and response teams. Transmission continues in several health zones despite vaccination campaigns and contact-tracing efforts. Community resistance, insecurity and difficult terrain have complicated containment work.

The World Health Organization and partners have supported the national response with vaccines, therapeutics and logistics. Case fatality rates remain high where patients reach treatment centres late. Early isolation and supportive care still offer the best chance of survival.

Neighbouring countries maintain border screening. The risk of cross-border spread is monitored closely. Previous Ebola outbreaks in the same region were eventually brought under control, but only after sustained international and national effort.

The latest numbers underline how quickly the disease can accelerate when health systems are already under pressure from conflict and other endemic illnesses. Response teams continue to prioritise vaccination of contacts and frontline workers while trying to improve trust in affected communities.

Further updates from the Congolese Ministry of Health and WHO are expected as the week’s figures are confirmed and laboratory results are finalised. For now the outbreak remains a major public-health emergency for the eastern provinces.