**Ebola Death Toll in DRC Surges to Over 930 Amid Rapid Spread of Outbreak**
*Published on July 20, 2026*
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a severe escalation in its ongoing Ebola outbreak, with the death toll now exceeding 930. The DRC's health ministry reported on Monday that the number of confirmed cases has reached at least 2,344, with a staggering 37 deaths recorded in just 24 hours—marking one of the highest daily increases since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about the speed at which the virus is spreading, indicating that this outbreak is advancing more rapidly than any previous instance. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the current outbreak reached 2,000 confirmed cases in just two months, a stark contrast to the 2018-2020 outbreak, which took over ten months to reach the same milestone. He further stated that the true number of cases could be at least double the official tally.
"This outbreak has now become the third-largest on record," Tedros said, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the current situation. The outbreak, which began in Ituri province—a mineral-rich region plagued by the presence of armed groups—has spread to five provinces within the DRC and has also crossed borders into neighboring Uganda. However, Uganda is nearing a status of being "virus-free," while the situation in the DRC continues to deteriorate.
Compounding the crisis, healthcare workers in Ituri have initiated a strike, protesting against the lack of compensation for their efforts during the outbreak. The strike has resulted in blocked access to Bunia General Hospital, a key facility in the region. Healthcare staff have voiced concerns about working under perilous conditions without receiving payment, which has further strained the healthcare response to the outbreak.
The DRC's health ministry has reported that over 80% of new Ebola cases are being identified outside of known contact lists, indicating that many transmission chains are being overlooked. This has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of current containment measures. In response, the health ministry has intensified its efforts in affected areas, with 724 patients currently in isolation in hospitals. The ministry also reported 22 new recoveries within a 24-hour period, highlighting some positive developments amid the crisis.
As the situation evolves, health officials continue to monitor the outbreak closely, implementing strategies to identify and isolate new cases while addressing the challenges posed by healthcare worker strikes and the complex security environment in the region. The WHO and local health authorities remain committed to controlling the outbreak and minimizing further loss of life as they navigate the ongoing public health emergency in the DRC.