WHO maintains highest Ebola alert as DRC outbreak exceeds 5,000 cases

The World Health Organization has extended its highest level of alert for the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing a rapid surge in cases and deaths that has overwhelmed local response efforts. The designation of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, first declared in May, was reiterated on August 20, 2026, as officials warned the epidemic remains far from being under control. According to the DRC's Ministry of Health, the outbreak has recorded 5,021 confirmed cases, including 2,378 deaths, as of August 17. This makes it the country's deadliest Ebola outbreak on record, surpassing the 2018-2020 epidemic. The caseload is also one of the largest globally, second only to the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa, and WHO estimates it could eventually exceed that scale if transmission continues. The current epidemic is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo virus strain, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments. Health authorities declared the outbreak on May 15 after cases were identified in the northeastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.