The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 500, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 4, 2026. Health workers in the country are threatening to strike over low wages and poor working conditions as they battle the ongoing crisis.
Ebola Outbreak Overview in DR Congo
The WHO reports that the current outbreak, which is the 17th in the DR Congo, has resulted in at least 506 deaths and 1,561 confirmed cases. The outbreak was officially declared on May 15 and is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no vaccine or treatment available. The region has seen a significant increase in cases, particularly in areas like Mongbwalu, where the mortality rate is alarmingly high at 50.7%.
In comparison, neighboring Uganda has reported only two deaths and 20 confirmed cases during the same period. The WHO has noted that the first month of this outbreak was the worst on record.
Challenges Faced by Health Workers
Health workers are expressing their frustrations regarding unpaid benefits and inadequate supplies since the outbreak began. They have issued a notice to the government detailing their grievances, including poor salaries and the lack of adequate equipment. These conditions have led to threats of strike action, which could further hinder the response to the outbreak.
- Unpaid benefits since the outbreak began
- Inadequate supplies for health care
- Complaints about poor salaries
- Concerns over external teams sent from Kinshasa
Geographical Spread and Eradication Efforts
The Ebola virus is also present in the provinces near North Kivu and South Kivu, where the anti-government armed group M23 controls significant territories. In North Kivu, the mortality rate stands at 57.4%, raising concerns among health authorities. However, no new cases have been reported in South Kivu since May 26, and officials in the M23 region announced that the epidemic had been eradicated in areas under their control.
As the situation evolves, health officials are working to trace contacts of infected individuals and identify the outbreak's patient zero. A clinical trial for two treatments for this rare strain has begun, and the WHO has approved emergency use authorization for the first molecular diagnostic test for the virus.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
