The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is spreading faster than efforts to contain it, global humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned, calling for an urgent expansion of containment and care measures.

Outbreak growing rapidly

Official data shows the number of confirmed Ebola cases has tripled in less than five weeks to 1,926, including 702 deaths, as of Sunday. According to MSF, this makes it the third-largest and fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record.

The charity, which operates seven Ebola treatment centres and more than 15 isolation units across the country, said the geographical spread of the virus is causing particular alarm. Communities outside urban areas continue to face inadequate support, with limited access to medical care and an overstretched surveillance system, MSF said.

"Every delay costs lives. We are still chasing the outbreak instead of staying ahead of it," said Trish Newport, MSF's Emergency Programme Manager, urging more coordinated international action to improve Ebola care.

Healthcare workers in Rwampara, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, 6 July, 2026.

The often fatal viral disease spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or animals and causes symptoms including high fever, vomiting, and internal and external bleeding. This particular epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

The World Health Organization said last week that the outbreak remained in an expansion phase, driven partly by population movements and delays in treatment. MSF has warned that surveillance, testing and safe, dignified burials all require additional resources.

Healthcare under pressure

In a stark assessment, Ayokunnu Raji, a medical doctor and MSF Medical Programme Manager working in the affected region, described the daily reality on the ground.

• DR Congo rebels use Ebola response to showcase governance
• DR Congo Ebola cases rise to 1,759 as death toll reaches 600
• DR Congo begins testing experimental treatments for Bundibugyo Ebola

"In Mongbwalu, we are seeing the deadly human consequences of these gaps every day," he said, explaining that patients often arrive in critical condition with little chance of survival.

Meanwhile, the White House has confirmed that the administration in Washington is preventing American citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from travelling to the U.S. on commercial flights. The measure adds to the challenges facing those trying to leave the affected region.

MSF has stressed that, without a significant and immediate scaling up of the international response, the outbreak will continue to outpace containment efforts.

Tags

News Ebola Democratic Republic of Congo Médecins Sans Frontières