Ebola outbreak claims more than 1,000 lives in DR Congo

According to figures released by the DRC Ministry of Health, as of July 21, 2026, a total of 1,033 people had died from the disease, while the number of confirmed infections had reached 2,536 cases.

The latest statistics show that the fatality rate among confirmed Ebola patients stands at 40.7 per cent, meaning that approximately four out of every 10 people diagnosed with the virus have lost their lives.

The Ministry’s report, based on laboratory results from the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), indicates that 63 new cases were confirmed within 24 hours.

The eastern province of Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 88.6 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded in the country.

On July 21 alone, Ituri reported 46 new infections, particularly in the areas of Bunia, Rwampara and Drodro. The province continues to register the highest number of Ebola cases and deaths since the outbreak was declared.

The outbreak has also severely affected North Kivu Province, where the fatality rate among confirmed cases has reached 58.7 per cent, the highest among all affected areas. However, no new Ebola infections have been reported in areas under the control of the AFC/M23 alliance.

Currently, 738 people are either isolated or receiving treatment at Ebola care centres across the affected provinces of Haut-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu and Tshopo. Meanwhile, South Kivu Province has not recorded new cases for nearly two months.

Health authorities say that tracing people who have been in contact with infected individuals remains one of the biggest challenges in controlling the outbreak.

The Ministry reported that contact tracing activities are being conducted at a national rate of 77.2 per cent, although concerns remain that some cases may not be detected or that some contacts may not be adequately followed up.

Meanwhile, Uganda, which also reported cases of Ebola, has confirmed that it has not recorded any new infections since June 21, 2026. The country recorded a total of 20 Ebola cases, including two deaths.