27/06/2026 10:33 - Internacionales
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing one of the most concerning Ebola outbreaks in recent years. The figure alarming experts: 297 people who tested positive are missing, with authorities unaware of their whereabouts, according to Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The outbreak is occurring amidst an armed conflict in the affected regions, which has forced more than one million people to live in displacement camps where health workers have no access. This makes contact tracing and effective virus control impossible.
Dr. Kaseya was blunt: "The camps have cases, and since we have no access, we cannot do contact tracing. We cannot have a picture of what is happening there. We cannot stop this outbreak without resolving the humanitarian problem."
Ebola is a highly lethal viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the virus of the same name. It is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people or animals. It has a mortality rate of up to 90% in some outbreaks, though with early treatment it can be significantly reduced.
This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, one of six known Ebola virus species. It is the largest outbreak recorded five weeks after its official declaration.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Confirmed cases in DRC | 1,118 |
| Deaths in DRC | 291 |
| Cases in Uganda | 20 |
| Deaths in Uganda | 2 |
| Infected without location | 297 |
| Projected cases for September | 8,210 |
| Projected deaths for September | 1,420 |
Source: WHO and Africa CDC - data as of June 26, 2026
The first drug trial to treat the Bundibugyo virus will begin next week in DRC. Additionally, one week later an antiviral trial will start, which will be administered to contacts to prevent them from developing the disease.
The West Africa outbreak of 2014-2016 infected more than 28,000 people and caused more than 11,000 deaths. At five weeks after its declaration, it had 239 cases and 160 deaths. The current outbreak in DRC already exceeds those figures at the same time stage, demonstrating its severity.
Authorities need $518 million USD for health expenses alone, and $1.4 billion including humanitarian needs. However, only 13% of the $910 million pledged by governments and international organizations has arrived so far.
DRC authorities announced that anyone who has been in the affected provinces must wait 21 days before being allowed to travel, a period corresponding to the virus incubation time.
Despite the challenges, international health organizations are mobilizing resources and expertise. The upcoming drug trials represent a significant step forward in the fight against this strain. With proper funding and access to affected areas, this outbreak can be contained. Global solidarity and rapid response remain our best tools against Ebola.
Source: The Guardian - June 26, 2026
Alfredo S. Quiroga
