The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains “uncontrolled,” the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned, despite an overall decline in reported cases. The latest WHO assessment shows sharply different transmission trends between affected provinces, with infections falling in Ituri but rising rapidly in North Kivu. As of September 13, the DRC had recorded 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths across 62 health zones in seven provinces. The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus and remains the largest Ebola outbreak recorded in the DRC. Health authorities are continuing surveillance, vaccination research and treatment efforts while trying to identify and break ongoing transmission chains.Why Ebola Remains UncontrolledWHO says the national decline in cases does not mean the Ebola outbreak is under control because transmission is moving in different directions across the country. Ituri, which has remained the main centre of the outbreak, has recorded a significant decline, while North Kivu is experiencing a sharp increase. The changing pattern is making epidemic control more difficult.DRC recorded 7,258 confirmed Ebola cases by September 13.The reported death toll reached 3,510.Ituri remains the province with the largest cumulative burden.North Kivu cases increased by more than 76% over three weeks.WHO continues to describe transmission as uncontrolled and heterogeneous.Outbreak Spreads Across ProvincesThe current Ebola outbreak was first detected in Ituri in May 2026 and has since expanded across multiple provinces. WHO reported that the outbreak had reached 62 health zones across seven provinces by September 13, including the newly affected Sud-Ubangi province.Ituri still accounts for about 78% of cumulative confirmed cases, but its share is declining as transmission increases elsewhere. North Kivu has become a major concern, while Haut-Uélé has also continued to report infections. Population movement, insecurity and limited access to healthcare are adding challenges to response operations.Also Read: Fiji HIV Crisis: National Emergency Declared After 16-Fold Infection SurgeNorth Kivu Cases Rise SharplyWHO’s latest assessment highlights a major shift in the epidemic. Over the most recent three-week period covered by the report, confirmed cases fell by around 6% nationally, largely because cases in Ituri dropped by about 25%. At the same time, North Kivu recorded an increase of more than 76%.The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, a different Ebola species from the Zaire ebolavirus targeted by the widely used Ervebo vaccine. WHO has said no Bundibugyo-specific countermeasure is licensed, while studies are being pursued to understand whether available vaccines can provide protection and to evaluate potential treatments.Key Highlights7,258 confirmed cases were reported in the DRC by September 13.3,510 deaths were recorded during the outbreak.Cases are declining in Ituri but rising sharply in North Kivu.The outbreak has reached seven provinces and 62 health zones.Bundibugyo ebolavirus is responsible for the current outbreak.WHO says continued surveillance and response efforts remain essential.What Happens NextThe latest figures show that a national decline does not necessarily mean the Ebola epidemic is ending. Health authorities must continue tracking cases across different regions, especially where transmission is increasing. WHO and its partners are also supporting contact tracing, infection prevention, clinical care and research into vaccines and experimental treatments.The DRC Ebola outbreak therefore remains a major public health emergency. While Ituri is showing signs of improvement, the surge in North Kivu and continued geographic expansion mean the response cannot yet be considered complete. WHO continues to call for sustained and coordinated action to interrupt transmission.Disclaimer: This article is provided for news and knowledge purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
