Kinshasa (AFP) – The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has already caused more than 4,000 deaths, according to a latest report by the Congolese authorities published this Friday.

First modification: 02/10/2026 - 21:42

The DRC is facing the worst Ebola outbreak in its history, becoming in a few months the deadliest ever recorded in this vast central African country.

To date, 8,300 cases have been recorded, of which 4,018 have died, which represents a fatality rate of 48.4%, according to the latest data from the authorities.

The outbreak began in the province of Ituri, in the northeast, and is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, against which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

It has spread rapidly to six northern and eastern provinces, where the state presence is fragile and armed groups operate.

In its initial phase, the Bundibugyo virus causes apparently mild symptoms, which can delay its detection, according to health authorities.

Several treatments and vaccines are in the testing phase against this still little-known strain. Until now, the Zaire strain had been responsible for most of the outbreaks in the DRC.

© 2026 AFP

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