Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has killed more than 1,300 people, AP reports

• DR Congo has recorded 1,307 new cases of Ebola infection in the country’s provinces of Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele, according to a statement by the UN Mission in the country.
• In total, 1,307 suspected cases and 377 deaths have been recorded, with 180 deaths reported as confirmed.
• The UN Mission said a plan to respond to the outbreak has been approved for 319 million dollars to support medical teams and provide assistance to affected communities.

In DR Congo, the outbreak has spread to multiple areas, with new cases reported in the provinces of Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele, according to AP. The central regions have recorded no new confirmed cases, while the virus has spread further into new areas.

The UN Mission said that, as of June 30, 2026, there were 1,307 suspected cases of Ebola in DR Congo, including 377 deaths. The UN Mission also said that at least 180 people have died, while 615 patients have been treated. The case fatality rate is 28.8%, and the contact tracing rate is 81.3%.

President Félix Tshisekedi announced on June 30, 2026 that the response plan for the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo had been approved. He said that the plan includes medical support, as well as measures to strengthen surveillance, contain the outbreak and prevent its further spread.

“Ebola is neither a rumor nor a shame. It is a health emergency that demands responsibility, solidarity and truth.”

Officials said that the outbreak is being driven by a lack of information and ongoing mistrust of health workers, which has made it difficult to contain the virus. They noted that misinformation and fear have led some people to avoid treatment and report fewer cases.

According to AP, the virus has also spread to other areas of DR Congo, including the provinces of Kinshasa, Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele. The UN has warned that the outbreak could worsen if people do not follow safety measures and if medical resources remain insufficient. It urged countries to provide support and help contain the virus.

WHO also said that the outbreak is being fueled by the ongoing conflict in the region, with attacks and insecurity making it difficult for health workers to reach affected communities.

Tags: Ecology/Politics