A health worker was at the Evangelical Medical Center in Bunia in Eastern Congo on Friday, July 3, 2026. Ebola clinical trials are scheduled to occur there. Eighty percent of new Ebola cases in Eastern Congo emerge from unknown chains of transmission, according to the World Health Organization. This indicates the outbreak spreads faster than health officials can track, despite efforts to expand the response.

Unknown Chains of Transmission

Congo faces an outbreak of a rare Ebola type since May, without approved treatment or vaccine. The Africa Centres for Disease Control states it is the continent’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak. Many newly reported deaths occur in communities where people die without reaching health facilities or receiving care, said Chikwe Ihekweazu after visiting Bunia, Ituri province, one of the worst-hit cities. Thus, 80% of new cases come from unknown transmission paths. If people die outside the health system, they cannot be isolated or treated, delaying contact tracing and increasing transmission risks. Ihekweazu noted that the outbreak “continues to outpace the response efforts”.

Increasing Cases and Fatalities

As of Monday, at least 1,926 people were infected, and 702 died in three Congolese provinces from the rare Bundibugyo virus. Cases extend to Uganda. Ihekweazu said his Bunia visit was “quite encouraging on many fronts, but also deeply concerning.” Bunia’s treatment capacity neared 800 beds, growing weekly, and lab facilities increased from 1 to 14. However, Ihekweazu remarked,” despite our best efforts… we have not caught up in the race.” A funding gap, healthcare center attacks, ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo, and local community mistrust have hindered response efforts.

Strike by Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers at an Ebola treatment center in Northeast Congo began striking over unpaid salaries and bonuses on Monday. They agreed to resume work if the government pays them within 72 hours. The striking health workers stated, “Just one day of strike action has already caused damage. Patients were unable to access the center.” They hold the government “solely responsible for any loss of life if the site closes after this ultimatum.”

Recent Developments in the Outbreak

Congolese authorities declared a new Ebola outbreak on May 15, following weeks of transmission undetected by officials, according to WHO. Clinical trials started last week as researchers launched a long-awaited study aimed at combating the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on July 11 that a U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian group in Congo tested positive for the Ebola virus.