The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing its deadliest Ebola outbreak ever, with more than 6,186 confirmed cases and 3,007 deaths reported as of 1 September 2026 since the epidemic was declared in May. According to The Conversation Africa, the outbreak, driven by the Bundibugyo strain for which no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists, could become the worst Ebola epidemic in history unless response efforts are accelerated.

Uganda recently closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo to prevent the spread of Ebola, as the Congo faces a significant outbreak with over 1,000 suspected and confirmed cases and more than 250 deaths reported as of May 27, 2026, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Public health experts suggest that such border closures may not be the most effective strategy in managing the outbreak.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern over a significant outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a strain of Ebola, which has resulted in 454 fatalities. The situation is worsening, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting urgent attention from health authorities.

France has confirmed its first case of Ebola, amid an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where over 260 deaths have been reported. The situation highlights the continuing threat posed by the virus in the region.

A Daily Trust editorial laments that Nigeria continues to grapple with a major diphtheria outbreak in 2026, despite the disease being vaccine-preventable. The piece argues that with a functional routine immunisation system and effective public health infrastructure, diphtheria should be largely under control, yet children are once again dying, according to recent reports. The editorial calls for stronger public health action to address the outbreak.

The World Health Organization has initiated a global investigation into the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, with only 54 contacts currently under quarantine. Scientists are examining the spread of the deadly Andes virus and are expanding research efforts into the disease.