The Ebola outbreak that began in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2026 is entering a critical phase, with Ituri Province still at the center of transmission. Uganda has since declared its outbreak over, but the virus continues to spread in the DR Congo, where more than 650 patients had recovered by early August.

The response is being complicated by constant movement through mining communities and insecurity, which have made contact tracing harder. 

Scientists have identified the Bundibugyo strain, for which existing Ebola vaccines do not provide protection. Vaccine trials began in June, while more than $1.4 billion had been pledged by international donors, the World Health Organization and Africa CDC by the end of June.