More than 1,300 people have died in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is spreading at the fastest rate ever recorded and threatens to become the worst in history, according to Al Jazeera.
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Key facts
- Ebola deaths in the DRC have surged past 1,300.
- The outbreak is spreading at the fastest rate ever recorded.
- Officials warn it threatens to become the worst Ebola outbreak in history.
- The spread has been described as being 'like a wildfire'.
The death toll from an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has climbed past 1,300, according to Al Jazeera, as the virus continues to spread rapidly across affected areas.
The outbreak is spreading at the fastest rate ever recorded, the report said, raising fears that it could become the worst Ebola outbreak in history.
The rapid transmission has been characterised as being ‘like a wildfire’, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing health authorities responding to the crisis.
As the number of deaths continues to rise, the situation highlights the ongoing difficulty of containing Ebola outbreaks in the region.
Al Jazeera reported the surge past 1,300 deaths on July 25, 2026, noting the exceptional speed at which the virus is moving compared with previous outbreaks.
Why it matters
Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease, and an outbreak spreading faster than any previously recorded poses a serious risk to public health both within the DRC and potentially beyond its borders. The scale of the death toll signals significant strain on health systems and the urgency of containment efforts.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have died in the DRC Ebola outbreak?
According to Al Jazeera, the death toll has surged past 1,300.
How fast is the outbreak spreading?
Al Jazeera reports the outbreak is spreading at the fastest rate ever recorded and has been described as spreading 'like a wildfire'.
Could this become the worst Ebola outbreak in history?
Al Jazeera reports the outbreak threatens to become the worst in history.
Timeline
- Ebola deaths in DRC surge past 1,300 as virus ‘spreading like a wildfire’
Al Jazeera: The outbreak is spreading at the fastest rate ever recorded and threatens to become the worst in history.