DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to expand, with 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths as of July 7, 2026. This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is no proven treatment or cure.

On June 27, 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo government banned public gatherings in Kinshasa, Tshopo, Haut-Uele, and Bas-Uele provinces. The nation's interior minister issued the order, which mandated that authorities in these four provinces monitor individuals presenting symptoms and submit daily surveillance reports. These provinces have not recorded Ebola cases but were identified as at-risk due to their proximity to affected areas.

Dr. Anne Ancia, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stated on July 7, 2026, that the outbreak remains in an expansion phase. "It is still in the expansion phase, unfortunately. We would like to say it is stabilizing, but frankly we cannot say it yet."

Ancia also noted that population movements, ongoing insecurity, and challenges within the health system complicate containment efforts. She said, "Population movements, persistent insecurity and the fragility of the health system continue to complicate efforts to bring the outbreak under control." Some Ebola treatment centers in the country have occupancy levels around 90%. Additionally, workers falling ill in Mongbwalu have traveled to new regions rather than seeking local treatment.

Why It Matters

The continued expansion of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly with the Bundibugyo strain that currently lacks a proven treatment, poses ongoing public health challenges. The preemptive ban on public gatherings in unaffected but at-risk provinces indicates an effort to prevent further geographical spread of the virus. Mobility patterns, such as ill workers from Mongbwalu moving to new regions for treatment, highlight a contributing factor to the outbreak's growth, alongside existing insecurities and health system limitations.