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Ebola outbreak can be stopped
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
DRC's 17th Ebola outbreak, now deadliest ever with about 2,500 deaths, can be stopped. Community-led response is key to halting spread.
Background
The Democratic Republic of the Congo declared its 17th Ebola outbreak 100 days ago, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus. It has become the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country's history, with about 2,500 deaths. The outbreak is ongoing, with cases still being detected outside known contact lists, and health workers are being infected and dying.
How it unfolded
- 100 days agoThe DRC government declared its 17th Ebola outbreak after confirmation of the Bundibugyo virus.
- Jul 16, 2026Uganda declared the end of its outbreak after interrupting transmission, proving the virus can be stopped.
- Aug 17, 2026The outbreak was reported as the deadliest ever recorded in the DRC, with about 2,500 deaths.
- Aug 18, 2026As of this date, 163 health workers had been infected and 47 had died in the DRC.
- Aug 19, 2026The outbreak surpassed 5,000 confirmed cases, making it one of the largest Ebola outbreaks ever recorded.
- Aug 20, 2026Congolese officials announced the outbreak is still growing, with concern about students returning to school.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The DRC government and WHO emphasize that the outbreak can be stopped through community engagement and national leadership.
- Public
- Community representatives in Bunia say: 'Involve us. We know our communities. Give us the means to help drive the response.'
- Expert
- WHO warns the outbreak could surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak, which killed more than 11,000 people.