Ebola Death Toll in Democratic Republic of Congo Exceeds 5,300

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s health authorities reported on 1 November 2026 that the ongoing Ebola outbreak has produced 10,414 confirmed infections and 5,372 deaths. The National Institute of Public Health figures give a case-fatality ratio of 51.6 percent among confirmed cases. Earlier tallies from late October already exceeded 5,000 deaths and 10,000 cases.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species of the virus, was declared in May 2026 and has become the deadliest in the country’s history, surpassing the 2018-2020 epidemic. It is the second-largest Ebola outbreak on record after the 2014-2016 West African epidemic. Eight provinces are affected, with Ituri remaining the epicentre. Cases have also been confirmed in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria.

No licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain. Clinical trials of candidate vaccines, including assessments of the Zaire-strain vaccine Ervebo, are under way. Médecins Sans Frontières and other groups have noted that many deaths occurred without medical care because of insecurity, limited access and community distrust in parts of the affected zones. More than 50 health workers have died.

The World Health Organization and Africa CDC have called for expanded control measures, greater access to conflict-affected areas and continued community outreach. Transmission remains high outside known contact chains in several health zones. Roughly two-thirds of identified contacts are under follow-up, but gaps persist.

Uganda recorded 20 cases and two deaths earlier in the outbreak but has reported no new cases since August. Kenya has confirmed nine cases and two deaths. Nigeria identified two suspected cases in late October; both individuals were isolated. One earlier positive case was medically evacuated to Switzerland.

The virus has spread to 66 health zones across eight provinces. Logistical constraints, including shortages of vehicles and protective equipment, continue to hinder response teams. Safe-burial practices and isolation capacity remain stretched. The outbreak is Congo’s 17th Ebola event.

Health authorities continue to update daily figures. The addition of previously unallocated fatalities in recent reports pushed the fatality rate above 50 percent. International partners are supporting laboratory capacity, contact tracing and the ongoing vaccine trials, but the absence of a proven countermeasure for this strain limits options for rapid containment.