Death toll in DR Congo Ebola outbreak rises to 160
The death toll in the DR Congo Ebola outbreak has risen to 160. According to Congolese Health Ministry data, the case count has reached 678, with most cases concentrated in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. The WHO has begun deploying additional resources and personnel.
According to reports relayed by Anadolu Agency from Kinshasa, DR Congo Health Minister Roger Kamba announced that the death toll in the country's Ebola outbreak has risen from 154 to 160 in the past 24 hours. Since the outbreak began in February 2026, total confirmed cases have reached 678, with the outbreak particularly concentrated in the Bunia area of Ituri province and around the city of Beni in North Kivu.
World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Director Dr Matshidiso Moeti said the disease's transmission rate has increased by 18% over the past week and that the response has 'entered a critical phase'. The WHO's $285 million emergency aid appeal has so far been 38% funded. Additional discussions are planned ahead of the October 2026 Geneva donor conference.
The DR Congo Health Ministry said two new treatment centres have been set up in Bunia and that 230 additional health workers have been deployed to the area. Factors complicating the response include transport obstacles linked to the M23 armed group's presence in the area and community mistrust. European Commission Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi announced an additional €65 million in aid from the European Commission.
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