Ebola epidemic in DR Congo: 635 confirmed cases and 127 deaths
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern region is battling an Ebola epidemic, with 635 confirmed cases and 127 deaths reported.
- Health authorities are maintaining high contact tracing rates and mobilizing teams in affected provinces.
- Despite the ongoing outbreak, several patients have recovered, and a significant number of contacts have completed their monitoring period.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with a severe Ebola epidemic in its eastern provinces, reporting 635 confirmed cases and 127 fatalities as of June 9, 2026. The outbreak, declared on May 15, is primarily concentrated in the Ituri province, with cases also extending to North Kivu and South Kivu.
Congolese health authorities have emphasized their commitment to containing the virus, reporting that the contact tracing rate has reached 61.1%. Medical teams remain fully mobilized on the ground, working diligently in the affected areas to identify, monitor, and care for those exposed to the virus.
Amidst the challenging circumstances, there are signs of progress. Eight new recoveries were recorded recently, bringing the total number of discharged patients to 30. Furthermore, 406 individuals who had come into contact with confirmed cases have successfully completed the mandatory 21-day follow-up period, indicating a potential reduction in transmission chains.
Originally published by Cooperativa in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.