At least 930 people have died in Congo's Ebola outbreak

NPR Published Jul 20, 2026 Reviewed Jul 20, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

At least 930 people have died in Congo's Ebola outbreak as of Monday, according to the country's Ministry of Health.

at least 930 deaths · people

As of Saturday, 2,344 Ebola cases had been confirmed in Congo, according to the country's Ministry of Health.

2344 cases · confirmed Ebola cases

As of the latest update, 724 Ebola patients are currently in isolation and in hospitals, according to Congo's Health Ministry.

724 patients · Ebola patients in isolation and hospitals

The World Health Organization expressed concerns that 80% of new Ebola cases were emerging from unknown chains of transmission, a sign the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can track.

80 % · new Ebola cases

37 new Ebola deaths were recorded in a 24-hour span from Friday into Saturday, one of the highest single-day totals, according to the Ministry of Health.

37 deaths · new Ebola deaths

At least 12 attacks against health facilities and teams have been recorded since the Ebola outbreak was declared in mid-May, authorities said Saturday.

at least 12 attacks · attacks against health facilities and teams

22 new Ebola recoveries were recorded in 24 hours, according to Congo's Health Ministry.

22 recoveries · new Ebola recoveries

The Ebola outbreak declared in eastern Congo on May 15, 2026, is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, according to the article.

At least 36 health workers infected with Ebola have died, according to the article.

at least 36 deaths · health workers infected with Ebola

Health workers tend to an Ebola patient at the Rwampara Treatment Center in Ituri, Congo, Thursday, June 18, 2026. Moses Sawasawa/AP hide caption

BUNIA, Congo — At least 930 people have died in Congo's Ebola outbreak, the country's Ministry of Health said Monday, with 37 new deaths recorded in a 24-hour span Friday into Saturday, one of the highest totals.

The deaths were recorded out of the 2,344 cases confirmed as of Saturday, the health ministry said.

The Ebola outbreak that was declared in eastern Congo on May 15 is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. The Bundibugyo virus responsible for the outbreak is less common than others that cause Ebola disease, and there is no approved vaccine or treatment.

Ebola is highly contagious and can be transmitted to people from wild animals. It spreads in the human population through contact with bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen, and with contaminated surfaces and materials such as bedding and clothing. The disease is rare but severe and often fatal.

The surge in deaths comes as safety fears have restricted the response in the worst-affected province of Ituri. A total of five provinces have been affected, all in the eastern region where rebel violence is rampant.

At least 12 attacks — mostly fueled by skepticism and rumors — have been recorded against health facilities and teams since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, authorities said Saturday. Many health workers meanwhile have walked off their jobs as they protest lack of payment.

At least 36 health workers infected with the virus have died.

The World Health Organization last week expressed concerns that 80% of new Ebola cases were emerging from unknown chains of transmission, a sign the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can track despite an expanding response.

Congo's Health Ministry said in its latest update that 724 patients are currently in isolation and in hospitals, and that it is intensifying response efforts in affected health zones.

"Patient care and support capacities are consolidating, with 22 new recoveries recorded in 24 hours," the ministry said.

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