2,181 Ebola Cases Confirmed in DR Congo...Fatality Rate Nears 40%

110 Deaths in Three Days as Contact Tracing Rate Falls
Seven Americans Who Worked with Confirmed Patient Isolated in Kenya

Ebola continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa, with the fatality rate approaching 40% as of July 18, 2026.

On the 18th of last month (local time), a healthcare worker wearing personal protective equipment stands at a refugee camp in Bunia, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Photo by Yonhap News

According to the Ministry of Communication and Media of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the 18th (local time), as of July 16, the cumulative number of confirmed Ebola cases reached 2,181, an increase of 56 from the previous day. The cumulative death toll reached 864, with 110 additional deaths reported over the past three days.

The fatality rate rose to 39.6%, 2.1 percentage points higher than three days ago. The number of patients officially declared cured stands at 412, while the rate of contact tracing for confirmed cases has declined to 66.9%.

Experts have analyzed that the spread of this outbreak is driven by the characteristics of the "Bundibugyo type" Ebola virus, whose symptoms tend to appear relatively late. The slow replication of the virus means infected individuals are likely to move about and potentially transmit the disease before becoming aware of their symptoms.

However, initiating treatment before symptoms worsen can significantly increase the likelihood of survival. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme, stated that patients who receive early treatment have a survival chance three to four times higher than those who remain in the community without early intervention.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that seven Americans who worked alongside an American aid worker infected with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been moved to an isolation facility inside a U.S. military air base in Kenya.

Controversy is expected, as the isolation took place despite the Kenyan court's temporary ban on the construction of the facility and the housing of Americans. Previously in Kenya, protests broke out opposing the potential admission of Americans suspected of Ebola infection, and clashes with police resulted in three deaths.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.