**Title: DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Expands to Sixth Province Amid Growing Concerns**
**Published: August 13, 2026**
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached a critical juncture as it spreads to a sixth province, Bas-Uele, following a reported death in the area. This alarming development was confirmed by Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, during a press briefing on Thursday.
The deceased, a man who had traveled from Haut-Uele province, succumbed to the virus in Buta, the capital of Bas-Uele. This marks a significant escalation in the outbreak, which has already affected several provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tshopo.
Kaseya issued a stark warning regarding the potential trajectory of the outbreak, stating, “If we do not stop this outbreak, it will last more than a year and will be the largest in the world.” He emphasized the urgency of containment efforts, noting that the virus's rapid spread increases the risk of it reaching neighboring countries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the current outbreak is progressing at an unprecedented rate, surpassing previous outbreaks in terms of speed. The outbreak was formally declared on May 15, 2026, although health officials revealed that the virus had been circulating since February. As of the latest reports, the outbreak has resulted in 2,128 fatalities out of 4,566 confirmed cases.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the severity of the situation, warning that at its current pace, this outbreak could exceed the deadliest Ebola outbreak on record, which claimed over 11,000 lives more than a decade ago.
The strain of Ebola responsible for the current outbreak is the Bundibugyo variant, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. The WHO is actively working to contain the outbreak and has set a goal to reverse its spread within three months. However, officials caution that it is unlikely the outbreak will be fully resolved by that time.
Ebola is known for its high contagion rates, transmitted through bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces, including bedding and clothing. The disease it causes is severe and often fatal, making swift and effective public health responses crucial.
In response to the outbreak, clinical trials for two potential treatments for the Bundibugyo strain commenced last month in Ituri province. Additionally, the WHO is testing two newly developed vaccines specifically targeting this variant, marking the first time these vaccines are being administered to people. There are also plans to assess whether an existing Ebola vaccine could provide protection against the current strain, following promising results from animal studies.
As health authorities continue to grapple with the situation, the focus remains on containment and prevention strategies to mitigate the outbreak's impact on the population and prevent further spread. The DRC's health system, already strained, faces significant challenges as it seeks to manage this escalating public health crisis.