The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has exceeded 10,000 confirmed cases, with the death toll approaching 5,000 as health authorities struggle to contain the spread of the Bundibugyo virus disease across the country. The outbreak has also raised concerns across Africa following the confirmation of imported cases in Kenya and Nigeria, prompting stronger surveillance and emergency response measures.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded 10,193 confirmed cases and 4,960 related deaths as of October 27, 2026. The figures represent a significant increase from the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) October 23 report, which documented 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths as of October 20.
The outbreak began in May 2026 and has continued to affect communities despite ongoing containment efforts. Eight provinces have reported infections, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé, South Ubangi and North Ubangi.
Ituri remains the worst-affected province, while North Kivu has also recorded a substantial number of infections and fatalities. The continued rise in cases across different health zones has increased the pressure on medical facilities, surveillance teams and international health partners working to control transmission.
Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Raises Concerns Across Africa
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has developed into a wider regional health concern following the identification of infections outside the country’s borders. Kenya and Nigeria have both reported imported cases, highlighting the challenges of containing infectious diseases when people travel between countries.
Kenya recorded nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, in an outbreak cluster linked to an individual who travelled from DR Congo through Uganda. The subsequent infections involved family members and healthcare workers who had contact with the initial patient.
According to the ECDC’s October 29 update, the last confirmed case in Kenya was reported on October 20. However, authorities continued monitoring individuals who had contact with infected patients to identify possible secondary infections and prevent further transmission.
Nigeria also confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease on October 20 after a woman with a travel history from Uganda tested positive in Abuja.
The patient developed symptoms on October 7, four days after arriving in Nigeria, and sought medical attention at a private health facility on October 11. Health authorities received notification of the suspected infection on October 19 before laboratory tests confirmed the disease the following day.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) subsequently activated its emergency response structures and began contact tracing to identify individuals who might have been exposed.
In its October 29 situation report, the agency disclosed that it had identified 62 contacts linked to the confirmed case. It also reported that the patient had been medically evacuated to Switzerland on October 26 following a formal request from her country and clearance from Nigerian authorities.
The NCDC stated that exposure remained confined to one epidemiological cluster directly linked to the patient. It also reported no new symptomatic contacts in the 24 hours covered by the latest situation report.
Health Authorities Strengthen Measures Against Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo
The growing number of infections has increased calls for stronger international cooperation, particularly among countries with travel and trade connections to affected areas.
Health authorities are prioritising early detection, laboratory testing, isolation of suspected cases and regular monitoring of exposed individuals. These measures are important because people may transmit the virus through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, particularly when health facilities lack adequate infection prevention procedures.
The WHO has also highlighted the importance of improving access to timely medical care, especially in communities where patients may delay seeking treatment. Its October 23 report noted that a significant proportion of recorded deaths occurred within communities rather than treatment centres, pointing to continuing challenges with early identification and access to healthcare.
Meanwhile, researchers launched a Phase 2/3 vaccine trial in Bunia, Ituri Province, on October 23. The TUMAINI trial will assess vaccine candidates against Bundibugyo virus disease, which requires specific vaccine research because available Ebola vaccines do not automatically provide protection against every virus species.
The Africa CDC and other international partners are also supporting surveillance, emergency preparedness and coordination across affected countries.
With the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo continuing to record new infections, health authorities face the challenge of containing transmission while protecting neighbouring countries from further imported cases. Continued surveillance, faster diagnosis and coordinated public health interventions will remain important in preventing the outbreak from spreading further across the continent.