Congo's Ebola outbreak shows no signs of slowing as deaths top 3,000
[September 02, 2026]
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed more than
3,000 people out of over 6,100 confirmed cases, the latest government
data showed Wednesday, as the disease is spreading at an unprecedented
speed, faster than efforts to track and slow it.
Data from Congo’s Ministry of Health showed the outbreak has recorded
6,186 confirmed cases, including 3,007 deaths since it was declared in
mid-May. It remains the fastest-growing outbreak of Ebola ever.
The disease has continued to spread rapidly for several reasons,
including conflict in the eastern region of the country where the
outbreak is concentrated, attacks on health workers, miners constantly
on the move, and inadequate health infrastructure.
The resumption of school in the middle of the outbreak has also raised
concerns about transmission in classrooms.
The World Health Organization said the outbreak is on track to exceed
the deadliest on record, West Africa's regional outbreak between 2014
and 2016, which killed 11,000 people.
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People dressed in protective gear lower into a grave the coffin
containing the remains of Jeannine Katusabe, who died of Ebola,
during a burial service in Bunia, Ituri province, eastern Congo,
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Dieudonne Dirole)
 There is no vaccine or approved
treatment for the rare Bundibugyo virus that has sparked the current
outbreak. The government is distributing the Ervebo vaccine, which
has helped combat previous Ebola disease outbreaks and which the WHO
said could offer some protection. The virus has spread to six
provinces.
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