WHO says Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to two new health zones
The WHO reports that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded to two additional health zones, totaling 63 affected areas. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that regional conflict and population displacement are significantly hindering containment efforts.
Why it matters
The intersection of disease outbreaks and regional conflict poses a severe challenge to public health and humanitarian aid delivery.
The World Health Organization said on Friday, September 25, 2026 that the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has spread to two additional health zones, bringing the total number affected to 63 across seven provinces.
The newly affected zones are Bulu in Sud Ubangi province and Dungu in Haut-Uele province, which borders South Sudan.
As of September 23, Congo had reported 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths, according to the WHO.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said conflict and population displacement were making it more difficult for health workers to reach affected communities and trace people who may have been exposed to the virus.
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