DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Death Toll Reaches 600, WHO Reports
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed 600 lives, according to World Health Organization data, as a new wave of the virus was declared in May 2026.
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The death toll from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached 600, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday. The grim milestone comes just days after the death toll surpassed 500, underscoring the rapid escalation of the outbreak.
On 15 May 2026, Congolese health authorities declared a new Ebola outbreak, marking another public health emergency in a country with a history of recurring viral hemorrhagic fever epidemics. The latest surge has intensified concerns among regional and global health agencies, particularly given the short interval between reaching 500 and 600 fatalities.
According to WHO figures cited by Vanguard News, the outbreak is spreading at an alarming rate, with transmission chains difficult to contain in affected regions. The agency continues to support national response efforts, including surveillance, contact tracing, and community engagement. The DRC has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks over the past decade, with previous episodes complicated by armed conflict, population displacement, and vaccine hesitancy.
The current fatality count reflects confirmed and probable cases documented by WHO. The agency has not yet released updated case numbers beyond the death toll, but past outbreaks in the DRC have seen case fatality rates exceeding 50% in some regions. The source of the current outbreak strain is under investigation, though no official confirmation has been provided.