The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently facing its 17th outbreak of the Ebola virus, which was officially declared on May 15, 2026. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no available vaccine or specific treatment. The virus, known for causing hemorrhagic fever, is primarily affecting the eastern part of the country, a region that has been experiencing ongoing conflict for over three decades.

Data reporting has fluctuated due to the speed of the spread. Authorities reported 3,075 laboratory-confirmed cases with 1,354 deaths as of July 25. By July 26, updated figures indicated that the total number of cases had risen to 3,200, with 1,405 fatalities recorded across five provinces. The threshold of 2,000 cases was surpassed in mid-July. Historically, the most severe Ebola outbreak in the country occurred between 2018 and 2020, resulting in 2,300 deaths out of 3,500 cases. Over the past 50 years, the virus has claimed more than 15,000 lives across the African continent.