The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak, with confirmed cases nearing 8,000.
The World Health Organization says the outbreak has now spread to 63 health zones across seven provinces, raising concerns about possible cross-border transmission.
According to the latest WHO figures, the country had recorded 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths as of September 23. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
The affected provinces are Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Sud Ubangi and Tshopo.
WHO has classified the risk in the DRC as very high, while countries sharing a land border with the country face a high risk of cross-border transmission.
The outbreak was declared in May 2026 and remains a public health emergency of international concern. WHO says response efforts include surveillance, contact tracing, clinical preparedness, medical supplies and cross-border preparedness.
Health authorities in the region are continuing to strengthen surveillance and preparedness measures as the outbreak spreads.
