The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for enhanced support to address the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), which continues to outpace current response efforts. Declared less than three months ago, this outbreak is the largest ever recorded in the country.

As of Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, the latest government update reported 3,802 confirmed cases and 1,707 deaths. The outbreak is predominantly concentrated in the remote Ituri province in eastern Congo, accounting for nearly 90% of cases, though infections have been confirmed in five additional provinces.

WHO is actively monitoring over 17,000 potential contacts, with nearly 80% of these individuals being seen daily. While no proven vaccines or treatments currently exist, two clinical trials for post-exposure drugs are underway in Ituri. Additionally, two separate vaccine trials are being conducted in the United Kingdom and Canada.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General, has emphasized the critical need for increased global support to contain the epidemic and mitigate its impact.

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