The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 10,000 confirmed cases and 5,000 deaths, according to figures cited by CBC News. Dr. Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, warned that the virus could spread into more countries without additional international support.
Declared in May 2026, the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which scientists suspect circulated undetected for months in remote parts of Congo. Conflict, public distrust and the absence of an approved vaccine or treatment for this strain have complicated containment. The outbreak is Congo’s largest on record and the second-largest Ebola outbreak globally, after the 2014–16 West African epidemic.
Cases have also been reported in Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria, though in much smaller numbers. One patient diagnosed in Nigeria was flown to Switzerland for treatment. Kaseya said additional cases could be carried across borders while health workers try to slow transmission in Congo. He described the risk to Canada as low but urged governments to help contain the outbreak.
Canada committed $8 million to the response in May, including $2 million for Africa CDC surveillance and biosecurity. Health Canada authorized a clinical trial of a vaccine targeting Bundibugyo. The federal government also introduced temporary border measures and outbreak alerts. Its public health agency said measures could change as new evidence emerges.
Canadian and Congolese researchers have sequenced more than 1,000 viral genomes to better understand the outbreak and explore whether existing vaccines might offer protection. University of Winnipeg microbiologist Jason Kindrachuk said limited funding threatens that work and called for sustained investment from wealthier countries.
Kaseya, whose family lives in Canada, acknowledged its contribution but requested more support. He urged Canadians not to panic while taking the outbreak seriously. He said international coordination would be necessary to prevent further spread.