The 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is on course to become the deadliest in history, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed that the current epidemic, declared in May, has already recorded over 4,300 cases and more than 2,000 deaths. At this rate, it could exceed the 2014-2016 outbreak which claimed at least 11,000 lives.

Delayed Detection and Spread

Health officials believe the virus began circulating as early as February 2026, several months before the official declaration. Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO's Africa director, noted that early cases were often misdiagnosed as malaria or typhoid, allowing the virus to spread undetected.

Unique Virus Strain and Response Challenges

This outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain, previously responsible for only two smaller outbreaks in 2007 and 2012. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or therapies specific to this strain, complicating containment efforts.

Regional instability in eastern DRC has further hindered response teams, with health workers reaching just 30% of cases. The WHO aims to control transmission within three months but cautions that this will not end the outbreak entirely.

Ongoing Research and Vaccine Development

  • The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved initial human trials for a Bundibugyo vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, utilizing technology from the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Three other vaccine candidates are in development but have not yet entered clinical trials.
  • Separately, WHO is sponsoring clinical trials in the DRC to evaluate the effectiveness of two existing antiviral treatments in improving survival rates.

About Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola is a severe viral illness with symptoms appearing 2 to 21 days after infection. Early signs resemble flu or malaria, including fever, headache, and fatigue. As the disease advances, vomiting, diarrhea, and organ failure can occur. The virus transmits through contact with infected bodily fluids.