The Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded to 63 health zones across seven provinces, according to a disease update released by the World Health Organization.
As of September 23, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths, yielding a crude fatality rate of 48.1 percent, according to World Health Organization figures. The ongoing epidemic now impacts two additional health zones: Bulu in the northwestern province of Sud Ubangi and Dungu in Haut-Uélé province, which shares a border with South Sudan.
Geographic Spread and Transmission Risks
The addition of Sud Ubangi and Haut-Uélé brings the total affected provinces to seven out of the country’s 26, joining Bas-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tshopo. World Health Organization officials noted that this geographic expansion elevates the risk of cross-border transmission.
Nationwide, the volume of newly reported cases each day remains high. However, transmission levels vary significantly across regions, with certain provinces and health zones experiencing much higher infection rates than others.
Mortality Rates and Healthcare Challenges
The 48.1 percent crude fatality rate underscores the severity of the disease. The World Health Organization highlighted that high community mortality rates reflect ongoing difficulties in achieving early case detection and providing prompt, adequate medical care.
Delays in treatment contribute to preventable illnesses and deaths in both newly affected and previously impacted areas. These delays sustain transmission chains within households, local communities, and healthcare facilities.
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