Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to sixth province as cases pass 4,500

The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to a sixth province, health authorities confirmed on Thursday, with cumulative cases now above 4,500 since the outbreak was declared.

Response teams said the newly affected area sits along a busy trade route, which complicates contact tracing because people move across provincial boundaries daily for markets and work.

Where the response stands

Vaccination of contacts and contacts-of-contacts continues, alongside treatment centres run with international partners. Health workers again reported the two constraints that have shaped this outbreak throughout: insecurity in parts of the east that limits access, and community mistrust that delays people presenting for care.

The regional picture

Neighbouring Uganda declared its Bundibugyo outbreak over earlier in the year after completing the required period with no new cases. That declaration does not reduce the risk to Congo, and cross-border screening remains in place.

Compiled from World Health Organization situation reports and Congolese health ministry statements. Verification cut-off 22:30 BST on 10 September 2026. Case and death totals in an active outbreak are provisional and revised regularly.