A trial for potential treatments targeting the Ebola virus responsible for the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has commenced, as announced by the World Health Organization (WHO). The first patient has been enrolled in the trial, which follows reports of over 1,400 cases and 438 deaths related to the outbreak, according to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to launch a clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) next week to assess the effectiveness of two antiviral treatments, MBP134 and remdesivir, in reducing mortality among patients infected with Bundibugyo virus disease. This initiative comes as reported cases of the disease exceed 1,000. The trial will evaluate the treatments both individually and in combination, with preparations now complete.

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.

According to the World Health Organization, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 1,460 confirmed Ebola cases and 432 deaths as of Wednesday, marking the highest level of new cases since the outbreak began. The case fatality rate stands at approximately 31 percent, with cases recorded across 36 health zones in three provinces.

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.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported over 1,000 confirmed cases of Ebola, with the total reaching 1,003, including 254 deaths, according to the DRC Health Ministry. The outbreak is still active and has not yet peaked, indicating ongoing concerns regarding the spread of the virus.