How Ebola became the deadliest outbreak in DR Congo’s history
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the deadliest in the nation's history, with over 2,300 deaths recorded. The crisis is exacerbated by the Bundibugyo virus strain, for which there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific therapies.
Why it matters
The emergence of a rare, untreatable strain of Ebola poses a significant public health threat and highlights the challenges of disease containment in conflict zones.
Conflict, delayed detection, and mistrust are complicating efforts to contain the virus in eastern DR Congo.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Health workers at a Samaritan’s Purse Ebola treatment centre in Bunia, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, during the response to the Ebola outbreak [Prosper Heri Ngorora/Al Jazeera] (Al Jazeera) By Prosper Heri Ngorora Published On 19 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo – When three members of his hospital team died within days of treating the same patient, Dr Richard Lokudu suspected Ebola had been spreading before authorities detected the outbreak.
The patient had arrived at Mongbwalu General Hospital in Ituri Province for surgery in early April, weeks before the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) officially declared an Ebola outbreak.
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