The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a rapidly worsening Ebola crisis, with the death toll now exceeding 2,500 , as health authorities and humanitarian organisations struggle to keep pace with the spread of the virus. The United Nations says the outbreak is expanding faster than containment efforts, with affected communities spread across an area larger than France. The situation is particularly concerning in parts of the country already dealing with prolonged conflict, displacement and limited access to healthcare. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola , which, according

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a rapidly worsening Ebola crisis, with the death toll now exceeding 2,500, as health authorities and humanitarian organisations struggle to keep pace with the spread of the virus.

The United Nations says the outbreak is expanding faster than containment efforts, with affected communities spread across an area larger than France. The situation is particularly concerning in parts of the country already dealing with prolonged conflict, displacement and limited access to healthcare.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which, according to the report, currently has no approved vaccine or treatment. The scale of the epidemic has already made it the largest Ebola outbreak reported in the country, surpassing the 2018–2020 crisis.

Health workers face growing risks

Beyond the spread of the virus itself, attacks and mistrust are making the response increasingly difficult. Around 160 healthcare workers have contracted Ebola, with 43 deaths recorded among them.

More than 260 attacks targeting health workers have reportedly taken place over the past six months, including incidents involving ambulances and medical facilities. UN officials say fear, misinformation and distrust are contributing to resistance within some communities.

Funding could become another major threat

The response is also facing an urgent financial challenge. The UN has warned that existing funds could be exhausted within weeks, potentially disrupting critical operations at a time when the outbreak is still expanding.

Humanitarian organisations are struggling to pay thousands of people involved in the response, while problems with banking and transportation are making it harder to deliver resources where they are needed.

With the outbreak showing no clear signs of slowing, the UN is urging international partners to provide urgent additional funding while calling for stronger cooperation between health workers and affected communities.

The combination of a rapidly spreading virus, attacks on frontline workers and shrinking resources is raising fears that the Ebola crisis in DR Congo could become even harder to contain.

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