The ongoing Ebola virus outbreak in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has passed a negative milestone, crossing 1,000 confirmed deaths across the region. Declared a public health emergency of international concern, it is reportedly the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak on record, driven by a rare viral strain, regional insecurity, and severe logistical obstacles.

The virus is heavily impacting public health, regional stability and local economies, according to public health authorities and international agencies.

The epidemic, first declared by the Congo on May 15, 2026, is concentrated mainly in the province of Ituri, with additional cases reported across North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo provinces. Cross-border cases have also been detected in neighboring Uganda.

• Total confirmed cases: Over 2,470 cases in the DRC, alongside 20 confirmed cases in Uganda.

• Total deaths: 1,001 cumulative deaths reported (999 in DRC, 2 in Uganda).

• Pace of transmission: The outbreak reached 1,000 deaths in under 10 weeks — significantly faster than previous major epidemics in the region.

Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) have deployed over 1,500 expert personnel alongside thousands of local frontline health workers to expand contact tracing, supply testing infrastructure, and support local clinics.