Ebola Outbreak in DRC Nears 3,000 Deaths

There have been 6,041 cases and 2,911 deaths reported so far, and the outbreak has spread in force to North Kivu province.

Matt MacKenzie

Sept. 1, 2026

Add Us On Google

Key Highlights

The outbreak has resulted in 6,041 cases and 2,911 deaths, with a case fatality ratio of 48.1%.
The Bundibugyo strain is spreading in North Kivu, with no available vaccine for this particular strain.
Challenges include delayed case recognition, limited access to quality care, and difficulties in interrupting viral transmission.
MSF is opening a new Ebola treatment center in Beni to bolster response efforts in North Kivu.
Fear of infection is causing many to avoid healthcare, impacting treatment for other conditions like malaria and pregnancy.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached 6,041 cases and 2,911 deaths. CIDRAP has the news.

The outbreak now has a crude case fatality ratio (CFR) of 48.1%, according to the WHO. The Bundibugyo strain is continuing to take hold in North Kivu province; there is no vaccine for the strain.

The WHO stated there are “ongoing challenges related to timely case detection, access to and quality of clinical care, and effective interruption of viral transmission…Delays in recognizing cases increase the likelihood of onward transmission within households, communities, and healthcare facilities.”

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is opening an Ebola treatment center in Beni to strengthen response in North Kivu. The outbreak has now expanded to six provinces, but Ituri and North Kivu have the most cases at this time. MSF stated that many people refrain from seeking healthcare during an Ebola outbreak due to fear of catching the disease, which leads to patients with malaria or pregnant women not getting the care they require.