Breaking News: Ebola Outbreak in DRC
As of June 19, 2026, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has led to 232 deaths and 896 infections across 31 health zones. Seventeen healthcare workers have died, and 75 have contracted the virus since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the outbreak is serious and evolving rapidly. Basic protective equipment remains scarce, complicating the response. The DRC has one of the lowest healthcare worker ratios globally, with only 11 workers per 10,000 people.
The outbreak has raised concerns in displacement camps, where overcrowding and poor sanitation may facilitate the virus’s spread. In Kigonze camp, at least 30 deaths have been reported since early May, with symptoms resembling Ebola. Camp officials noted an unprecedented death rate, but testing was initially refused.
Funding for essential services has decreased significantly, further complicating the situation. UN data shows that funding for sanitation programs dropped from $80 million in 2024 to only 21 percent of this year’s appeal. The crisis continues to escalate, with fears that Ebola could spread among the five million displaced individuals in eastern DRC.
