The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached two new health zones, Biena and Manguredjipa, in North Kivu province, bringing the total number of affected areas to 60, according to government figures released on August 28, 2026. This outbreak is noted as the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak ever recorded, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths.
The fatality rate in the newly affected zones is reported to be higher than the overall rate of 48 percent, attributed in part to delayed response efforts, as stated by the Ministry of Health. The ministry indicated that the outbreak is spreading at a rate that outpaces containment efforts.
Challenges in controlling the outbreak include armed conflict in the affected regions, displacement of populations, attacks on medical personnel and facilities, a mobile working population, and inadequate infrastructure. The current outbreak is on track to exceed the death toll of the previous deadliest Ebola epidemic, which occurred in West Africa from 2014 to 2016 and resulted in over 11,000 fatalities.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced the opening of a new treatment center in Beni, North Kivu, to enhance response capabilities in one of the hardest-hit areas. Beni has reported 122 confirmed cases and 87 deaths since the outbreak began in mid-May, with a fatality rate of approximately 69 percent.
MSF highlighted that a shortage of bed capacity is hindering the response to the outbreak. The new treatment center aims to facilitate rapid patient care, strengthen contact tracing, and support health authorities in controlling the virus's spread. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, making traditional methods such as contact tracing and patient isolation essential for managing the outbreak.
MSF has deployed 1,400 staff in DRC and operates treatment centers with a total of 400 beds. Albert Stern, MSF's emergency coordinator, emphasized that early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve survival chances and reduce transmission risks within families and communities.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the outbreak is spreading faster than containment efforts, urging the global community to take immediate action to control the situation.