Ebola death toll in Democratic Republic of Congo exceeds 5,000

The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 5,000, with government data showing 5,026 deaths among 10,351 confirmed cases as of late October 2026. The outbreak, declared on May 15 and caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, is the largest and deadliest ever recorded in Congo and the second-largest worldwide after the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people.

No approved treatments or vaccines exist specifically for the Bundibugyo species. Ervebo, the licensed vaccine, is approved only for the Zaire strain. Clinical trials of antivirals and vaccines, including tests of Ervebo against Bundibugyo, have been underway since July. The case fatality rate stands near 48.6 percent. Of those infected, 2,788 have recovered while 1,101 remain in treatment or quarantine.

The virus has affected eight of Congo's 26 provinces. Ituri and North Kivu in the east account for the majority of cases, with 9,782 confirmed cases and 4,792 deaths in those areas according to earlier tallies. Fifty of 67 health zones have reported active cases. Delayed detection, ongoing conflict, and strained health services have accelerated spread compared with previous outbreaks. Many deaths occurred outside treatment centers. The World Health Organization estimates about one-third of deaths happened without medical care.

The outbreak has reached neighboring countries. Nigeria reported its first case in late October, linked to a traveler. Kenya and Uganda have also recorded cases. Some governments have imposed travel restrictions. Saudi Arabia suspended entry from Kenya. Insecurity in eastern Congo, including rebel-held areas, has limited access for health workers. Front-line staff have gone on strike over unpaid wages and conditions. At least 50 health workers have died after contracting the virus. An Ebola treatment center and displacement camp were affected by violence in one incident.

Congo's health authorities and partners continue contact tracing, isolation, and safe burial practices, but community resistance and logistics challenges persist in some hotspots. The actual toll may be higher if undetected transmission began as early as February. MSF has described the human cost as unprecedented in the DRC.

This Bundibugyo outbreak differs from the more common Zaire strain in available countermeasures. Researchers are testing whether existing tools offer cross-protection. Containment remains difficult given the geographic spread and concurrent conflict in the east. Updated figures from the Presidential Taskforce on Ebola and the National Institute for Biomedical Research track daily new cases, which have fluctuated but remain significant in epicenter provinces.

International partners continue to support the response with labs, vaccines under trial, and logistics. The outbreak's extension into West Africa marks a further expansion beyond the initial eastern focus. Authorities in affected countries monitor travelers and enforce quarantine where cases appear. The situation remains active as of early November 2026, with no clear timeline for control.