By the Numbers: This year’s Ebola outbreak has spread faster than the worst on record
Summary
An Ebola outbreak in Congo has killed over 1,000 people in just over two months, spreading faster than the worst Ebola epidemic on record from 2014-2016. This outbreak is caused by a rare virus variant called Bundibugyo, which currently has no approved vaccines or treatments.Key Facts
- The current Ebola outbreak started on May 15, 2026, and has 2,536 confirmed cases with 1,033 deaths so far.
- It took the 2014-2016 outbreak eight months to reach 1,000 deaths, while this outbreak reached that number in just over two months.
- The 2014-2016 epidemic involved over 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths in multiple West African countries.
- This year’s outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare Ebola variant with no approved vaccine or treatment.
- The 2014-2016 outbreak was caused by the more common Ebola virus variant.
- The current outbreak is mostly limited to five eastern provinces of Congo and some cases in Uganda.
- The fatality rate this year is about 40%, lower than the 66% fatality rate during the 2014-2016 outbreak.
- Officials warn the outbreak could worsen because the first case is not confirmed, and many new cases are outside monitored contacts.
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