The deadliest Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo's history has killed more than 2,500 people as of August 22, 2026, with the virus spreading exponentially—18 times faster than any recorded outbreak. More than half of the deaths occurred within the preceding 20 days, prompting urgent international appeals for support as health workers face attacks from frightened locals.
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Ebola outbreak in Congo spreading exponentially as death toll surpasses 2,500, UN coordinator says Reuters
As the deadliest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s history continued spreading on Friday, UN responders renewed their urgent appeal for immediate international support, with existing funding for lifesaving work critically low.
More than half of the 2,500-plus deaths from DR Congo's Ebola outbreak have occurred within the past 20 days alone, as the virus spreads faster than any recorded outbreak, according to the UN's senior Ebola coordinator. Julien Harneis is urging a rapid scale-up of resources to prevent the epidemic from crossing into neighbouring countries.
Aug 21 - More than 2,500 people have now died in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak, which is spreading exponentially in an area larger than France, senior United Nations Ebola coordinator Julien Harneis said on Friday.
Epidemic remains out of control amid DR Congo conflict, funding shortages and attacks on health workers and facilities
Health workers coming under attack by locals terrified by outbreak and are themselves dying from disease
More than 2,500 people have already died in the Ebola epidemic currently gripping the Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN coordinator for the outbreak has warned that the virus is spreading exponentially – adding that an existing pool of funds is set to run out within weeks. Details by Catherine Viette.
[UN News] As the deadliest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo's history continued spreading on Friday, UN responders renewed their urgent appeal for immediate international support, with existing funding for lifesaving work critically low.