HARIANEXPRESS – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to draw global attention. Confirmed cases have reached a total of 7,258 alongside 3,510 recorded deaths.
According to official data released by the DR Congo government on September 15, 2026, the epidemic has affected seven provinces. This event stands as the second deadliest Ebola epidemic in history, following the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak.
Province Breakdown and Spread
Ituri remains severely impacted, though health officials report significant improvements and better transmission control by response teams. Meanwhile, North Kivu continues to experience rising cases, particularly in the city of Butembo.
North Kivu has documented 1,269 confirmed cases, which includes 555 cases logged in the 21 days leading up to September 12. High population density, high population mobility, and security challenges complicate virus containment efforts.
Daily Transmission Trends
Despite rising cumulative figures, health authorities noted encouraging trends in the containment effort. DR Congo Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba stated that daily new cases dropped from around 120 at the mid-August peak to approximately 80 cases.
Additionally, ten out of 62 affected health zones recorded no new cases for over 22 days. Officials indicate this progress suggests response measures are successfully slowing transmission.
“It is too early to conclude that the outbreak has passed its peak,” reported, citing WHO warnings that the epidemic remains severe and could take months to control.
