Death toll tops 1,500 in fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history, says Congo
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has surpassed 1,500 deaths, marking it as the fastest-growing in history. The virus, specifically the Bundibugyo strain, currently lacks approved vaccines or treatments, complicating containment efforts.
Why it matters
The rapid spread of a highly contagious and fatal disease poses a significant threat to global public health and regional stability.
The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history has killed more than 1,500 people in eastern Congo, according to official data released on Thursday (July 30, 2026), a 50% spike in around a week that shows the outbreak continues to outpace response efforts.
The latest update from Congo’s government shows that as of Tuesday (July 28, 2026), 3,442 cases have been recorded in the latest outbreak, and 1,521 people have died.
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