Ebola death toll reaches 600, as new cases suspected in other parts of Congo

July 10, 2026 - 15:08

The death toll from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached 600, according to health officials, as new suspected cases are now being reported in regions that had previously been untouched by the virus. The government confirmed that the disease is showing signs of spreading beyond its original epicenter in the northeastern province of Ituri.

While the majority of infections remain concentrated in the city of Beni and surrounding areas, medical teams are now investigating reports of illness in several remote communities. These new locations had not recorded any cases earlier in the outbreak, raising concerns that the virus is moving along trade routes and through population movement.

Health workers continue to face significant challenges, including community mistrust and sporadic attacks on treatment centers. Despite the availability of an experimental vaccine, efforts to contain the outbreak have been hampered by security issues and logistical difficulties in reaching rural villages.

The World Health Organization has warned that the risk of regional spread remains high, particularly given the proximity of affected areas to the borders of Uganda and Rwanda. Authorities are urging residents to report symptoms immediately and to cooperate with response teams as they work to trace contacts and isolate new patients.