‘Everyone’s problem’: Ebola death toll rises, many African nations at risk
South China Morning Post
Last updated: May 24, 2026
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported an updated death toll of 204 from the ongoing Ebola outbreak, an increase from previous figures. This escalation follows reports of volunteer deaths and new cases in neighboring Uganda, prompting international concern.
- Key Facts: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recorded 204 deaths from Ebola across three provinces, stemming from 867 suspected cases.
- This revised figure represents a significant increase from the previous World Health Organization (WHO) toll of 177 deaths out of 750 suspected cases.
- The WHO has officially declared the Ebola outbreak an international health emergency due to its highly contagious nature.
- The African Union's health agency has identified 10 additional African countries at risk of Ebola transmission beyond the DRC and Uganda.
- These at-risk countries include Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia.
- Three Ebola volunteers have died in Uganda, which has also confirmed new cases of the virus.
