Ebola Outbreak in Congo Reaches 6,757 Cases and 3,267 Deaths as US Pledges $375 Million in Aid

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reached 6,757 confirmed cases and 3,267 deaths by September 7, 2026, according to World Health Organization data. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a strain for which no globally approved vaccine or specific treatment exists.

The virus has spread across six provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, and Bas-Uélé. Ituri remains the epicenter.

The outbreak crossed 5,000 confirmed cases on August 17, 2026. The WHO has designated it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Two imported cases have been reported outside Africa: one in France and one in a US citizen who was medically evacuated from the DRC to Germany.

A separate outbreak in Uganda, which began in May 2026, was declared over on August 25, 2026, after 42 days with no new cases. Uganda recorded 20 cases and two deaths.

The response faces serious challenges. Armed conflict in eastern Congo has restricted access for aid workers. Misinformation about burial practices and medical interventions has complicated community engagement. Because existing Zaire ebolavirus vaccines are not specifically indicated for the Bundibugyo strain, clinical trials for candidate vaccines and treatments, including remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies, have been prioritized.

The United States has pledged $375 million to support the response. International teams from India, China, South Korea, and the United States have assisted in recovery efforts.

Faith communities in the affected regions have been active in response efforts, with pastors and church leaders working alongside health workers to counter misinformation and support affected families.