Congo Ebola outbreak tops 8,000 confirmed cases as disease remains out
of control
[September 28, 2026]
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — The number of confirmed cases of Ebola virus
in Congo has surged past 8,000, as the country runs out of health
workers to contain the deadly disease.
Congo announced an outbreak on May 15, caused by the rare Bundibugyo
virus, which has no known treatment or vaccine, and has struggled to
contain it.
Latest data from Congo's health ministry showed that 8,067 cases have
been confirmed, with 3,901 deaths as of Sept. 26 across 63 health zones
in seven of the country's 26 provinces, with a fatality rate of more
than 48%.
“The continuously high crude case fatality ratio, and especially the
continuously high rate of deaths occurring in communities, highlights
the seriousness of the disease and the persistent challenges in timely
case detection and access to early and adequate patient care,” the World
Health Organization said in its latest report.
Last week, the WHO said that Congo is running out of health workers to
contain the disease. Health workers have complained about delayed or
missing payments, triggering several strikes despite the delicate nature
of the outbreak. According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 50 health workers have died since the outbreak was
announced.
[to top of second column]
|
 Some areas have shown signs of
improvement, with a fall in confirmed cases, including in Ituri
province and Haut-Uele, but officials say the disease is spreading
further in other areas, expanding its geographical reach.
According to data from the Africa CDC, the current outbreak has
outpaced the 2-year-long West Africa regional outbreak in terms of
spread in the same time. By Week 19, the regional outbreak between
2014 and 2016 recorded 3,781 cases, while the current outbreak
recorded 7,840. The WHO said it is on track to surpass the regional
outbreak, which killed 11,000 people.
Containment efforts have been hamstrung by insecurity, displacement,
a health workers’ strike and intense population movements
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
