The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has surpassed 9,000 confirmed cases and 4,381 deaths, becoming the country's deadliest on record.
01Summary
- 01The DRC Health Ministry reported 9,066 confirmed cases and 4,381 deaths as of 13 October 2026.
- 02The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccines or treatments exist.
- 03Kenya reported its first imported case after a Kenyan national who lived in the DRC died in Nairobi.
- 04Uganda reported 20 cases and two deaths earlier in 2026 but was declared Ebola-free in August.
- 05Health workers face mistrust in local communities, and conflict with the M23 rebel group hinders aid delivery.
02Why it matters
The outbreak threatens to spread across borders in East Africa, and the lack of approved vaccines or treatments for this strain makes containment difficult, increasing the risk to neighbouring countries and international health security.
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