Ebola outbreak in DR Congo kills over 5,000, deadliest in nation's history

BBC World · 2026-10-31
Ebola outbreak in DR Congo kills over 5,000, deadliest in nation's history

The Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 5,000 lives, according to government data, making it the deadliest in the country's history. More than 10,000 people have contracted the rare virus since the outbreak began, underscoring the severity of the health crisis. The high case count and mortality rate highlight the challenges of containing the virus in a region marked by conflict, mistrust, and limited healthcare infrastructure. This outbreak surpasses previous ones in the DRC, including the 2018-2020 epidemic in the east that killed over 2,200 people. The current figures signal a grim milestone for public health officials and aid organizations working to curb transmission. Continued vigilance and international support are critical as the country battles to bring the outbreak under control.