The Congo Ebola outbreak has intensified concerns among health authorities across Africa, as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) continues to report thousands of infections and deaths. Six months after the outbreak began, medical teams are still struggling to contain the virus, while limited healthcare resources and insecurity continue to weaken response efforts.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), DR Congo recorded 11,042 confirmed cases and 5,387 deaths as of November 10, 2026, using data reported up to November 9. The agency also recorded 52 additional infections and 33 deaths compared with its previous update.
The outbreak has affected eight provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé, South Ubangi and North Ubangi. However, Ituri remains the hardest-hit province, with more than 7,600 confirmed cases and over 3,600 deaths.
The scale of the outbreak has made it the second-largest Ebola outbreak recorded globally, following the 2014–2016 West African epidemic. It has also become the deadliest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s history, placing additional pressure on an already stretched healthcare system.
Congo Ebola Outbreak Exposes Challenges in Disease Control
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which differs from the Zaire strain responsible for several previous outbreaks. Health authorities face additional challenges because no approved vaccine or specific licensed treatment currently exists for the Bundibugyo strain.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected people. People can also contract the virus through contaminated materials or contact with the bodies of people who have died from the disease. Common symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Meanwhile, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned that the outbreak remains difficult to control despite ongoing response efforts. In a November 12 report, the organisation highlighted shortages of medical supplies, fuel and trained personnel, alongside insecurity in affected communities.
These problems have affected contact tracing and delayed access to medical care. In some areas, attacks on healthcare facilities have also disrupted response activities and exposed medical workers to additional risks.
MSF further warned that some infections occur within healthcare facilities, where inadequate protective equipment and limited resources can increase exposure. Consequently, health authorities face growing pressure to improve early diagnosis, protect medical personnel and strengthen treatment facilities.
Regional Ebola Threat Raises Concerns for African Countries
The outbreak has raised concerns beyond DR Congo because international travel and cross-border movement can complicate efforts to prevent transmission. Kenya has also reported nine confirmed cases and two deaths linked to an imported infection, although authorities reported that all identified contacts had completed their monitoring by November 11.
Nigeria also confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease on October 20. The patient had travelled from Uganda to Abuja and developed symptoms several days after arriving in Nigeria. Health authorities later evacuated the patient and a close contact to Switzerland for medical care.
Although Nigeria has not reported another confirmed infection, the imported case highlights the importance of maintaining effective surveillance and preparing healthcare facilities to respond quickly to suspected cases.
Nigeria Maintains Ebola Surveillance and Contact Tracing
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) continues to coordinate the country’s response through surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and infection prevention measures.
In its November 11 update, the agency reported that Nigeria had identified 62 contacts linked to the confirmed case. Of these, 34 had completed their individual 21-day monitoring period, while 28 remained under surveillance. The country had recorded no additional confirmed cases as of November 9.
Furthermore, Nigeria has strengthened screening at international entry points and increased preparedness across healthcare facilities. These measures help officials identify suspected infections, investigate reported alerts and monitor people who may have encountered the virus.
The NCDC has also urged healthcare workers to remain alert, check patients’ travel histories and report suspected Ebola infections promptly. Early detection remains essential because Ebola symptoms can resemble those of other common illnesses, making timely investigation particularly important.
As the outbreak continues, African countries must strengthen cooperation, share health information and maintain effective border surveillance. For Nigeria, sustained preparedness and rapid response will remain crucial to preventing further infections and protecting public health.