DRC Ebola Outbreak Reaches 506 Deaths in Deadliest Month Yet

The WHO confirmed 506 deaths and 1,561 cases of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo as of July 4, 2026. The outbreak—declared May 15—involves the Bundibugyo virus strain, which lacks licensed vaccines or treatments. This first month ranks as the worst on record for any DRC Ebola epidemic. Case fatality rates exceed 50 percent in affected regions, reflecting delayed diagnosis and incomplete detection in conflict zones.