Congo says confirmed Ebola cases rise to 956, including 247 deaths - Arab News

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has escalated dramatically, with confirmed cases now soaring to 956 and deaths reaching 247, according to the latest figures released by the DRC Ministry of Health as of June 21, 2026. This rapid rise, coupled with 19 confirmed cases and two deaths in neighboring Uganda, highlights the severe regional threat posed by the Bundibugyo virus, a strain for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 16, 2026, underscoring its gravity, yet response efforts continue to battle a complex humanitarian crisis. Widespread insecurity, particularly in the outbreak's epicenter, Ituri Province, alongside North Kivu and South Kivu, has been a major impediment, with armed groups like the M23 complicating access and fostering deep-seated community mistrust. Health officials report that critical contact tracing efforts are falling significantly short of targets, suggesting a far wider, undetected spread of the virus. Looking ahead, the immediate focus remains on scaling up diagnostic capacities and treatment facilities, as well as enhancing infection prevention and control measures across affected health zones. However, overcoming entrenched community resistance and navigating the volatile security landscape will be paramount. Without intensified cross-border cooperation and a more robust, community-centric engagement strategy, the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak risks further destabilizing an already fragile region, demanding sustained international attention and resources.