Date: June 10, 2026 l Reporter: Kimberly White
KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed that the number of Ebola cases linked to the country’s ongoing outbreak has risen to 635, underscoring growing concerns among health officials and international partners working to contain the spread of the disease.
The latest figures were announced by Congolese health authorities on Wednesday as response teams continue surveillance, patient treatment, contact tracing, and public health interventions across affected regions. The increase reflects continued transmission in areas already facing pressure from limited healthcare resources and humanitarian challenges.
Officials said the outbreak remains concentrated in eastern parts of the country, where health teams have expanded emergency operations aimed at reducing transmission and protecting vulnerable communities. Authorities continue to monitor suspected cases while strengthening laboratory testing and rapid response systems.
Health experts have expressed particular concern about the impact on children and healthcare workers, groups considered especially vulnerable during Ebola outbreaks. Recent cases involving infants and exposure among frontline medical personnel have highlighted the difficulties of controlling infections in environments where close contact is unavoidable.
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a less common variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine specifically designed to target the strain. International health agencies have therefore emphasized surveillance, supportive care, infection prevention measures, and community engagement as the most effective tools available to slow transmission.
The World Health Organization and partner agencies continue coordinating support efforts across affected areas while neighboring countries strengthen preparedness measures to reduce the risk of cross-border spread. International donors, including the United States and other global partners, have announced additional funding packages to support emergency response operations.
Congolese authorities stated that treatment centres remain operational and urged communities to cooperate with public health teams by reporting symptoms early, following safety protocols, and supporting contact tracing efforts.
Health officials warned that although progress has been made in expanding response capacity, the rising number of confirmed infections demonstrates that sustained international support and local participation will remain essential in bringing the outbreak under control.