JULY 20, 2026

Congo's Ebola outbreak death toll reaches at least 930 as transmission outpaces tracking efforts

At least 930 people have died in Congo's Ebola outbreak, the country's Ministry of Health reported Monday, out of 2,344 confirmed cases as of Saturday. The outbreak, declared in eastern Congo on May 15, is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. The Bundibugyo strain responsible has no approved vaccine or treatment.

Congo's Ministry of Health reported 37 new deaths in a single 24-hour period from Friday into Saturday — one of the highest single-day totals since the outbreak began — bringing the overall death toll to at least 930. A total of five provinces in eastern Congo have recorded cases, all in a region where ongoing rebel violence has complicated the public health response.

The World Health Organization said last week that 80% of new Ebola cases were emerging from unknown chains of transmission, indicating the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can track despite an expanding response. The ministry said 724 patients are currently in isolation or hospitalized, and reported 22 new recoveries in a 24-hour period.

Safety concerns have restricted the response in Ituri, the worst-affected province. At least 12 attacks on health facilities and response teams have been recorded since mid-May, driven largely by skepticism and rumors, according to authorities. At least 36 health workers infected with the virus have died, and many others have walked off their jobs in protest over lack of payment.