WHO Warns DR Congo Ebola Outbreak on Track to Become Deadliest Ever

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has stated that the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is on track to surpass the deadliest outbreak in history. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola, has seen over 4,300 cases and more than 2,000 deaths since its declaration on May 15, 2026, though genetic sequencing indicates it began in February. The WHO aims to reverse the spread within three months by enhancing contact tracing and treatment capacity. Additionally, two vaccines specifically designed against the Bundibugyo virus have entered Phase 1 safety trials in humans, and the UK's MHRA has granted permission for human trials of a Bundibugyo vaccine.