New figures released by the Ministry of Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo show that the Ebola outbreak in the country’s eastern region continues to worsen, with 1,203 confirmed cases and 321 deaths recorded as of June 25, 2026.
The outbreak has been reported in the provinces of Ituri Province, North Kivu Province, and South Kivu Province. The latest figures indicate a fatality rate of 26.7 percent.
Health authorities say that 148 patients have fully recovered and returned to their communities, while another 326 people are still receiving treatment in specialized health facilities. Between June 24 and June 25 alone, medical teams tested 1,175 people showing symptoms similar to Ebola, while 142,503 travelers were screened at border entry points.
Unlike previous weeks, health officials have welcomed improvements in contact tracing efforts, noting that 82.8 percent of people who had contact with infected individuals are now being monitored. Authorities believe this progress could help slow the spread of the disease.
The outbreak was first declared on May 15 in the town of Mongbwalu. It marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak and is already among the largest recorded in recent years.
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has also spread to Uganda, where 20 cases, including two deaths, have been confirmed. In France, one case has also been identified. Health authorities say the patient is a doctor who had recently returned from eastern DRC.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Bundibugyo strain poses a serious international concern because there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the disease.
Health officials warn that ongoing conflict and insecurity in eastern DRC continue to hamper efforts to contain the outbreak. Violence in the region has made it difficult for medical teams and humanitarian workers to access some affected areas. Authorities also face the challenge of convincing certain communities that the disease poses a real threat and requires urgent action to prevent further spread.