Ebola death toll tops 2,000 in Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Posted Aug 18, 2026, 02:30 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-18-0230
Ebola death toll tops 2,000 in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Photo: RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 2,000 deaths amid record transmission rates and security challenges in Ituri province.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has claimed more than 2,000 lives as health officials warn that transmission is accelerating at an unprecedented velocity. Data from public health authorities indicates that confirmed cases have surpassed 4,300 since the epidemic was declared on May 15, making it the nation's largest recorded outbreak by total infections.

Containment operations face severe operational hurdles across Ituri province, where armed militia violence has displaced populations and impaired medical monitoring. Efforts are further constrained by the Bundibugyo strain driving the surge, which lacks approved vaccines or targeted therapies. With over 700 individuals currently hospitalized or under quarantine, international health agencies continue to urge immediate interventions to curb further community transmission.

Sources: Canarias7, Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, La Vanguardia, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal).

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