Eastern Congo Faces Ebola Crisis Amid New Treatment Trials

WHO:

AP News - Congo’s Ministry of Health reported on the outbreak.

AP News - Frontline workers include mostly health professionals in Ituri province.

WHAT:

AP News - At least 500 people have died out of over 1,500 confirmed cases in the Ebola outbreak.

AP News - The outbreak has recorded 1,561 cases and 506 deaths since it was declared.

NY Post - Researchers began a study of two possible Ebola treatments in early July.

AP News - Frontline workers issued a 24-hour notice threatening to strike over unpaid benefits and poor working conditions.

WHERE:

AP News - The epicenter of the outbreak is in Ituri province, eastern Congo.

AP News - The outbreak is confirmed in three eastern provinces, including North Kivu and South Kivu.

WHEN:

AP News - The outbreak was declared on May 15.

AP News - Frontline workers threatened to strike on Monday.

AP News - Enrollment for clinical trials started just days before the strike notice.

WHY:

AP News - Frontline workers have not been paid benefits since the outbreak began and lack adequate supplies.

AP News - Workers complained about poor salaries and the “arrogance” of teams from Kinshasa.

AP News - The lack of approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo virus complicates response efforts.

HOW:

AP News - The strike threats come amid ongoing clinical trials for Ebola treatments.

(UPDATED July 6, 2026 17:54 UTC)

Congo’s Ministry of Health has reported a devastating Ebola outbreak in Ituri province, where over 1,500 confirmed cases have led to at least 500 deaths since the outbreak was declared on May 15. Frontline health workers, who have not received benefits since the outbreak began, are threatening to strike due to poor working conditions and inadequate supplies, with their strike notice set for Monday. Meanwhile, researchers have initiated clinical trials for two potential Ebola treatments, adding urgency to the situation as the outbreak continues to spread across three eastern provinces, including North Kivu and South Kivu.