The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases, reaching 1,003 infections as of June 21, 2026, officials reported [1, 2, 3, 4]. There have been 254 deaths recorded, with about 100 people recovering during the outbreak [1, 2, 3, 4].

At least 365 patients remain hospitalized or in isolation. The outbreak centers in Ituri province in the northeast, where violent attacks by ISIL-linked Allied Democratic Forces have disrupted response efforts and caused mass displacement [1]. More than 20,000 displaced people have sought shelter at the Kigonze camp near Bunia, where officials noted 10 unexplained deaths last week though no Ebola cases have been confirmed there [1].

The Ebola virus strain involved is the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment [1, 2, 3, 4]. Scientists from Uganda and Congo confirmed the outbreak originated from a new wildlife spillover, rather than a hidden earlier outbreak [3]. Contact tracing has reached only about 55% of potentially exposed individuals, hindering containment efforts [1, 2].

Dr. Jean Kaseya of Africa CDC said, "If you want to control an outbreak, especially an Ebola outbreak, you must know the index case. We don’t have confidence in when this outbreak started" [1]. Community communication, diagnosis, case management, and epidemiological surveillance continue in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces [3]. Health officials warn the outbreak may worsen and has not reached its peak [1, 2].

Japan announced a $3.5 million emergency grant to support Ebola response efforts in DR Congo and Uganda, including healthcare, infection prevention, and water and sanitation projects. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said, "The government of Japan has decided to implement emergency grant aid totaling $3.5 million" [4].

The outbreak officially began on May 15, 2026, and poses a regional threat, especially to conflict-affected and displaced populations with weak health infrastructure [1, 2, 4].

Response efforts continue amid security challenges and displacement. Monitoring and support activities are ongoing to contain the outbreak.