The World Health Organization warns that the Ebola outbreak in Congo is expanding into new areas, with 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths, and no approved vaccine or treatment available yet.
On 12 June 2026 GMT+7, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning that the Ebola outbreak in northeastern Congo is spreading to new areas and urgent escalation of disease control measures is needed. They noted that the number of isolation beds is far below what is required compared to the current transmission trends.
The outbreak centers on Ituri province but cases have now been reported in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, indicating the virus is spreading beyond the original area. Since the official outbreak declaration on 15 May, there have been 676 confirmed Ebola cases with 136 deaths. Additionally, 119 suspected cases remain under observation, and 32 patients have recovered.
The virus responsible for this outbreak is the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a less common variant. So far, there is no officially approved vaccine or treatment. WHO warns that without rapid improvements in case finding, isolation, and treatment, the outbreak could expand further and place severe strain on the healthcare systems of Congo and neighboring countries.
Source: AFP