The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths. No confirmed Ebola case has been reported in Türkiye in current official updates.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths reported as of August 16, 2026. The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment. No confirmed Ebola case has been reported in Türkiye in current official sources, while WHO assesses the global risk as low.
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with 2,325 deaths reported as of August 16, 2026.
According to data from the DRC Ministry of Health, the country has recorded 4,945 confirmed cases. The death toll has now surpassed the 2,299 deaths recorded during the 2018-2020 outbreak in eastern DRC.
The 2026 outbreak is therefore the deadliest Ebola outbreak in DRC history and the second deadliest recorded globally, behind the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic.
Based on the latest confirmed case and death figures, the crude case fatality ratio is approximately 47%. However, there is no evidence that the rising fatality rate means the virus itself has become biologically more lethal. Experts have pointed to factors including delayed diagnosis and late access to medical care as possible contributors to the high mortality rate.
Outbreak declared in May
The Democratic Republic of the Congo declared the current Ebola outbreak on May 15, 2026. The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, a member of the Orthoebolavirus genus.
On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined that the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak affecting the DRC and Uganda constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
WHO said, however, that the event did not meet the criteria for a “pandemic emergency” under the International Health Regulations.
The outbreak has expanded rapidly, particularly in the DRC.
By June 17, the country had reported 896 confirmed cases and 232 deaths. The toll rose to 1,460 confirmed cases and 452 deaths by July 1.
By July 15, authorities had recorded 2,124 confirmed cases and 828 deaths. The subsequent rise to 4,945 cases and 2,325 deaths by August 16 illustrates the rapid escalation of the outbreak.
WHO assesses global risk as low
WHO’s latest assessment classifies the risk posed by the Ebola outbreak as very high in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The risk is considered high in Uganda and in countries sharing land borders with countries where Bundibugyo virus transmission has been detected.
For the rest of Africa and at the global level, however, WHO currently assesses the risk as low.
WHO has also advised against general travel or trade restrictions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda based on the information currently available.
Is there Ebola in Türkiye?
The escalating outbreak has also raised questions about whether Ebola has been detected in Türkiye.
As of August 17, 2026, a review of current official information from Türkiye’s Ministry of Health, WHO and other public health sources found no current report of a confirmed Ebola case in Türkiye.
The available official information therefore does not indicate a confirmed Ebola case in the country. However, because infectious disease surveillance can change as new cases are identified, it is more accurate to refer to the latest official reporting rather than state categorically that Ebola is absent from Türkiye.
WHO has not issued a separate high-risk classification for Türkiye in relation to the current outbreak. Its broader assessment continues to classify the global risk as low.
Türkiye monitoring the outbreak
Türkiye’s Ministry of Health is monitoring developments through the Travel Health system operated by the General Directorate of Health for Borders and Coasts.
A June 19 update published by the Turkish health authorities reported 896 confirmed cases and 232 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with 19 confirmed cases and two deaths in Uganda at that stage of the outbreak.
Türkiye also has an Ebola Virus Disease case management framework covering the assessment of suspected cases, contact tracing, laboratory procedures and infection prevention and control measures.
While suspected Ebola cases have been investigated in Türkiye in previous years, no confirmed case linked to the current outbreak has been identified in the official information reviewed as of August 17.
How does Ebola spread?
Ebola does not spread through ordinary social contact in the same way as common respiratory infections such as influenza or COVID-19.
Transmission primarily occurs through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. Contact with objects or surfaces contaminated with infected bodily fluids can also result in transmission.
The virus can also spread to humans through contact with infected animals.
Initial symptoms can include fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may develop vomiting, diarrhea, impaired organ function and, in some cases, internal or external bleeding.
People returning from areas affected by the Ebola outbreak who develop compatible symptoms should inform healthcare professionals about their recent travel history when seeking medical care.
No licensed Bundibugyo vaccine
Vaccines are available against some types of Ebola virus, but protection and regulatory approval depend on the virus species involved.
Licensed vaccines are available against Ebola virus disease caused by Ebola virus (EBOV). However, there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved against Bundibugyo virus, which is responsible for the 2026 outbreak.
There is also no specifically approved treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease.
WHO experts are evaluating experimental vaccine and treatment candidates. These include investigational monoclonal antibodies and antiviral medicines, but they should not be described as approved routine treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease.
Early detection, isolation and supportive medical care therefore remain critical. Contact tracing, infection prevention and control, safe and dignified burials and community engagement are also central to containing Ebola transmission.
Why It Matters
The Ebola outbreak becoming the deadliest in DRC history underscores the importance of regional and international disease surveillance. Although WHO currently assesses the global risk as low and no confirmed Ebola case has been reported in Türkiye in current official updates, international travel makes early detection, contact tracing and infection prevention essential tools for limiting the risk of cross-border transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Ebola in Türkiye?
As of August 17, 2026, current official sources reviewed do not report a confirmed Ebola case in Türkiye. Türkiye’s health authorities are monitoring the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda through the country’s Travel Health system.
How many people have died in the Congo Ebola outbreak?
As of August 16, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo had reported 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths. The death toll makes the current outbreak the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country’s history.
Is the Ebola outbreak a high risk for Türkiye?
WHO has not issued a separate high-risk classification for Türkiye. While the risk is assessed as very high in the DRC, WHO currently considers the overall global risk to be low.
Is there a vaccine for Ebola?
Licensed vaccines exist for Ebola virus disease caused by certain Ebola viruses. However, there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo virus responsible for the 2026 outbreak, and candidate vaccines and treatments are under evaluation.
Source: World Health Organization, Democratic Republic of the Congo Ministry of Health, Türkiye Ministry of Health, Reuters
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