The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases, with 254 deaths recorded since May 15, 2026.
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), disclosed the figures in a post on the organisation’s official X account on Tuesday, while highlighting ongoing response efforts.
“Ebola update: More than 1,000 confirmed cases have been reported in DRC, including 254 deaths. One hundred patients have recovered so far, showing that for many, the virus can be stopped with timely healthcare,” he said.
Ghebreyesus said WHO, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other partners had supported the DRC Ministry of Health in expanding treatment, laboratory capacity, and disease surveillance.
He added that the support would also help train more health workers in clinical care, infection prevention and control, while strengthening community engagement and awareness on prevention measures.
“But much more is needed: more treatment centres, more trained health and care workers, more testing, and more teams from within communities supporting communities.
“We need sustained and safe access to reach all affected people.
“We need continued solidarity from the international community to end this outbreak. And ultimately, we need peace for the people of DRC,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bundibugyo virus disease is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons.
Unlike some other Ebola virus species, there is currently no licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, making early detection, isolation, and strict infection prevention measures critical to containing the outbreak.
SOURCE: NAN
