The number of Ebola cases in Congo has exceeded 1150: why the outbreak is getting out of control

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 1,155 cases of Ebola strain Bundibugyo have already been confirmed, killing 304 people. Despite medical efforts, gaps in knowledge about the virus and mistrust of the local population are seriously complicating the fight against the largest outbreak of this strain in history.

An Ebola outbreak continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, xrust reported. According to the country's government, as of June 25, 2026, the number of confirmed cases reached 1,155, including 304 deaths. Over the past 24 hours, 37 new infections and five deaths have been identified.

This is the largest outbreak of the Ebola-Bundibugyo strain on record. For comparison, the previous two outbreaks of this type (in Uganda in 2007 and in Congo in 2012) caused a total of about 200 cases. The infection has now also affected neighboring Uganda, with 20 cases and two deaths confirmed there.

What is Ebola-Bundibugyo and how is it different from the known strain?

Ebola fever is a severe viral infection that causes high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases bleeding. The virus belongs to the filovirus family. The best known is the Ebola-Zaire strain, which caused a major epidemic in West Africa in 2014–2016.

The Bundibugyo strain is less studied. According to World Health Organization (WHO) emergency director Chikwe Ihekweazu, experts are just beginning to understand the specifics of this virus. Tests typically used to detect Ebola-Zaire do not always effectively detect Bundibugyo, leading to the late detection of the outbreak in mid-May 2026.

Problems of early diagnosis and treatment

class=»notranslate»>__GTAG7__Early symptoms of Bundibugyo are often mild and similar to malaria or other diseases common in the tropics. This leads to people not immediately seeking help. According to the International Medical Corporation (IMC), more than 50% of patients are admitted in serious condition.

Bleeding is a symptom that residents of regions that experienced a previous outbreak in Zaire in 2018–2019 associate with Ebola. However, with the Bundibugyo strain, bleeding is much less common (about 10% of cases according to the National Institute of Biomedical Research of the Congo). This increases the mistrust of the population: people do not believe that this is the same disease and refuse preventive measures.

«In the community they say, 'There used to be blood, but our relative doesn't have it — you're lying,'» said Dr. Emmanuel Musingusi Bulemu, a Congolese health official.

There are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, although clinical trials of treatments are due to begin next week with US support. Doctors emphasize that the main measures remain the same: testing, isolation of patients and supportive care (fluid replacement, symptom control).

Difficulties in the conflict zone

Eastern Congo has been plagued by armed conflict for many years. This greatly complicates the work of epidemiologists. Professor Peter Piot from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, one of the discoverers of Ebola-Zaire, said: “I have never seen such a rapid increase in the number of cases. Without peace, we will not stop this outbreak.»

Resistance and even violence against medical teams remains a serious problem. Local residents sometimes refuse burials under safe protocols and vaccinations (where available for contacts).

What are the authorities and international organizations doing

Congolese authorities have strengthened epidemiological surveillance and biological testing. WHO and partners are working to raise public awareness. Information campaigns are being carried out in displaced persons camps.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) previously estimated that up to $1.4 billion could be needed to combat the outbreak — three times more than initial estimates.

What is important for Russians to know

For residents of Russia, Ebola remains an exotic infection: there is no direct threat to our country, since the virus is transmitted through close contact with the biological fluids of a patient and does not spread through the air. However, global epidemics show the importance of international cooperation. Russian specialists traditionally participate in helping African countries with such outbreaks through the channels of Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Health.

WHO experts emphasize: despite all the difficulties, timely detection and isolation remain key tools. While the outbreak continues, the situation requires close attention from the global community.

According to the news feed of Reuters, WHO and Congolese official sources for June 25–26, 2026.

Xrust The number of Ebola cases in the Congo has exceeded 1150: why the outbreak is getting out of control