Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo: Nearly 600 confirmed cases and over 100 deaths

Spread in three conflict provinces

The epidemic is raging in three provinces marked by armed conflict: Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. The fight against the epidemic in the conflict-affected provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu is being made more difficult by the presence of armed groups... Several health zones are affected — seven in North Kivu and one in South Kivu.

Distrust of health personnel and attacks on burial teams and treatment centers are hampering the response. Attacks on burial teams and treatment centers keep recurring. This hostility not only endangers aid workers but also significantly slows the medical care of those who are ill.

Distrust and attacks on aid workers

The outbreak was announced on 15 May but, according to the authorities, had gone undetected for weeks. This delayed detection has significantly complicated early containment, health experts on the ground explained. The government has called on the population to visit the nearest health center immediately if they experience symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or severe weakness.

The Central African country has already experienced several devastating Ebola outbreaks, including the world's second-worst epidemic from 2018 to 2020, with more than 2,200 deaths. The repeated outbreaks underscore the ongoing danger the virus poses to the region.

Background: Recurring Ebola outbreaks

The Democratic Republic of Congo is considered one of the most resource-rich countries in the world, yet it suffers from extreme poverty and weak infrastructure. These structural problems make it particularly difficult to carry out large-scale vaccination campaigns and public information work in the affected regions.

International aid organizations and health authorities are working at full speed to contain the spread. In addition to medical assistance, awareness campaigns are also needed to build trust among the population and encourage people to seek early treatment.

This news was broadcast on 09.06.2026 on the program Deutschlandfunk. The report is based on information from the Congolese government and was distributed by the news agency APA (APA, 10.6.2026).