The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has now claimed more than 5,000 lives, according to health ministry figures released on 31 October 2026 and reported by the Associated Press. The ministry recorded 5,026 deaths among 10,351 infections, a case fatality rate close to 50%, with 2,788 recoveries.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain and declared in mid-May, is now the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak ever recorded, after the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic that killed about 11,000 people.
Health workers strike over unpaid wages
In a worrying development for the response, AP reported that health workers have gone on strike over delayed pay, closing some treatment centres:
- In Tchomia, Ituri province, workers stopped work demanding four months of unpaid wages.
- In Beni, North Kivu, some centres have halted services because of shortages of fuel and funds.
Frontline nurses and response staff have also faced violence. A nurse was killed while responding to an Ebola alert in Bafwasende, Tshopo province, in late October, an attack condemned by WHO and the International Council of Nurses. See our report: ICN chief warns misinformation is a deadly threat to nurses.
Spread and control
- The virus has reached 67 of Congo’s 178 health zones in 8 of its 26 provinces, with active cases in 50 zones.
- Ituri and North Kivu are the epicentres, with 9,782 confirmed cases and 4,792 deaths.
- According to Africa CDC, about 80% of new cases are coming from outside known contact chains, a sign that transmission isn’t being fully tracked.
- WHO’s Dr Patrick Otim said about one-third of deaths occurred outside treatment centres, before testing.
- Armed conflict involving M23 and attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces near the Uganda border limit access to affected communities.
Regional picture
This is the first recorded Ebola outbreak to span three African regions. Kenya has reported nine confirmed cases, according to Africa CDC, including health workers who cared for the first patient. Nigeria’s single confirmed case was evacuated to Switzerland for treatment. Uganda reported cases earlier in the year before its outbreak was declared over.
At a virtual meeting with more than 40 African health ministers on 28 October, Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya said the continent is not yet winning against the outbreak, and that “Ebola anywhere in Africa demands preparedness everywhere in Africa.” Ministers agreed to prepare for possible cases, coordinate across borders, and keep borders open while monitoring them closely. Africa CDC has mobilised about $1.51 million for Kenya’s response plus $350,000 in laboratory supplies.
No vaccine yet
There is still no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola; care is supportive, and clinical trials are under way. See Bundibugyo vs Zaire Ebola explained.
What it means for nurses
- Pay and protection matter: unpaid, unprotected health workers cannot sustain an outbreak response. Health worker associations across Africa have called on governments to guarantee wages, insurance and compensation for those on the front line.
- Be alert: any patient with fever and a relevant travel or contact history in affected or neighbouring countries should be isolated and assessed according to national protocols.
- Use PPE correctly every time. See our Ebola PPE guide.
- Look after each other: fear, stigma and exhaustion are real. See supporting nurses after trauma.
Related: Ebola signs and nursing care · Ebola contact quarantine
Sources: Associated Press via The Manila Times (1 November 2026); Dawan Africa (29 October 2026) reporting Africa CDC briefing. Figures change rapidly.