The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has worsened, with the death toll rising to 600, just three days after it surpassed the 500 mark, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The outbreak continues to spread across the country’s northeastern provinces, placing increasing pressure on the healthcare system and disrupting economic activities in affected communities.
Updated figures released by the UN health agency on Thursday showed that the DRC has recorded 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, including 600 confirmed deaths.
In neighbouring Uganda, two additional deaths have been recorded, bringing the country’s total to 20 confirmed cases, of which 17 patients have recovered.
The outbreak was officially declared on May 15, 2026, in the mineral-rich Ituri Province.
According to WHO data based on reports from Congolese health authorities, the virus has a case fatality rate of 34 per cent.
Although the outbreak has spread to four provinces, Ituri remains the epicentre, where the activities of armed groups continue to hamper surveillance, contact tracing and response efforts.
Health authorities have also reported 285 recoveries in the DRC, while 304 suspected cases remain under investigation.
The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments, raising concerns among global health experts.
Ebola, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials, remains one of the world’s deadliest viral haemorrhagic diseases.
The WHO warned that persistent insecurity, the absence of an approved vaccine and the characteristics of the Bundibugyo strain continue to complicate efforts to contain the outbreak.
The UN health agency said it is working closely with Congolese authorities to strengthen disease surveillance, expand treatment capacity and improve community awareness in affected areas.