GENEVA — The World Health Organization reported Monday that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has expanded significantly, with the number of confirmed cases increasing more than eightfold in recent weeks.
According to WHO data released as part of a rapid risk assessment, the outbreak has now spread to 25 health zones across three provinces — Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu — up from 16 health zones previously.
The number of laboratory-confirmed cases has risen to 515, with 91 confirmed deaths reported as of June 6. The case fatality rate stands at approximately 17.7 percent. Healthcare workers continue to be affected, with at least 16 confirmed cases among medical personnel.
The outbreak has also spread to neighboring Uganda, where 19 confirmed cases have been reported, including 14 imported cases and five acquired domestically. Two deaths have been recorded among imported cases in Uganda.
WHO officials said the increase in confirmed cases reflects both ongoing transmission and improvements in case detection through expanded testing and intensified contact tracing activities. Retrospective investigations have identified suspected cases occurring as early as March 2026, suggesting prolonged undetected transmission prior to the formal outbreak confirmation.
The affected region is characterized by significant population mobility linked to mining activities, trade, and cross-border movement, WHO noted. Challenges including community resistance to response measures and patients leaving treatment facilities have complicated containment efforts.
WHO assessed the risk for countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo as high, while the global risk remains low. The organization is working with health authorities in affected countries to coordinate response activities and preparedness measures at border crossings.