Ebola claims more than 1000 lives in DR Congo and Uganda

Ebola Death Toll has surpassed 1,000 in both DR Congo and Uganda

Official reports from Kinshasa reveal that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the neighboring Uganda has so far claimed 1,001 lives.

The figures come from the latest updates issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to the WHO report, health authorities in the affected countries report 2,473 confirmed cases and 999 deaths in the DR Congo since the outbreak began in May 2026.

On the other hand, the death toll in Uganda remains at 20 confirmed cases and 2 deaths.

Health officials in Uganda are reporting no more active Ebola patients in the country.

In Africa, it is only DR Congo and Uganda that experienced Ebola outbreaks in 2026.

However, a single case was reported in Brazil and another in France and both situations were linked to travelers who had just arrived from DRC.

Meanwhile in connection with improved situation in Uganda, the Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr Jean Kaseya, has formally called on the United States of America to urgently review and remove the East African country from the temporary Ebola-related entry suspension.

“I have formally called on the United States Government to urgently review and remove Uganda from the temporary Ebola-related entry suspension,” reads a statement by Dr Kaseya, the Director General of Africa CDC, who points out that Uganda’s epidemiological situation has improved significantly.

“The country has reported no new confirmed Ebola case since 21 June 2026, discharged its last patient and entered the 42-day countdown toward declaring the outbreak over,” Kaseya maintained.

Until now, all the 836 identified Ebola contacts have reportedly completed medical follow-up.

On the other hand, surveillance remains active across 36 high-risk districts and 38 points of entry.

Laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, case management, risk communication and community surveillance also remain fully operational in Uganda.

Africa CDC says it was calling for proportionate safeguards that reflect Uganda’s current epidemiological situation. Risk-based departure and arrival screening, traveler health declarations, exposure-based monitoring and rapid referral of symptomatic passengers can provide effective public health protection.

Countries that detect outbreaks early, report transparently and act decisively deserve recognition and support. Evidence-based decisions strengthen trust, international cooperation and rapid reporting during future health emergencies.

Africa CDC stands ready to share the latest surveillance data with the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, facilitate direct technical consultations and support any additional verification required.