Fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record threatens to become worst in history

Ebola outpaces containment measures in its worst ever outbreak in the DRC - The Washington Post

Accessibility statement

Democracy Dies in Darkness

Subscribe

Sign in

Democracy Dies in Darkness

WorldAfricaAmericasAsiaEuropeMiddle East

WorldAfricaAmericasAsiaEuropeMiddle East

Fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record threatens to become worst in history

The response to Congo’s raging Ebola epidemic has been hampered by a severe lack of funding and pervasive misinformation, according to people on the front lines.

August 26, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. EDT

Today at 5:00 a.m. EDT

7 min

*Health workers tend to an Ebola patient at the Rwampara Treatment Center in Ituri, Congo, on June 18. (Moses Sawasawa/AP)*

By

Rael Ombuor

and

Rachel Chason

The Ebola epidemic raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo is on track to become the worst in history — amid a response hobbled by a severe lack of funding and rampant misinformation, according to doctors, relief organizations and global health authorities.

---

* Dan Lamothe and Noah Robertson Before Hegseth fired him, top general was advised to drop Kid Rock probe 2 hours ago
* Shira Ovide Bill Gates was an AI optimist. Now he’s scared of what could go wrong. Earlier today
* Column Ashley Fetters Maloy Why it matters that Dolly Parton wasn’t a mother 3 hours ago
* Column Gretchen Reynolds 10 minutes of super-slow running can benefit your brain and mood Earlier today
* Column Michelle Singletary Why Target’s now-pulled Halloween clown costume was so offensive Earlier today
* Opinion Scott Hodge This tiny sticker on your car is a big waste of time and money 2 hours ago

Newsletter

As news breaks

World News Alerts

Breaking news email alerts for major happenings around the world.

Company

* About The Post
* Newsroom Policies & Standards
* WP Creative Group
* Workforce Demographics
* Careers
* Media & Community Relations
* Accessibility Statement

Sections

* Trending
* Politics
* Elections
* Opinions
* National
* World
* Style
* Sports
* Business
* Climate
* Well+Being
* D.C., Md., & Va.
* Obituaries
* Weather
* Arts & Entertainment
* Recipes

Get The Post

* WP Intelligence
* Enterprise Subscriptions
* Manage Your Subscription
* Become a Subscriber
* Gift Subscriptions
* Mobile & Apps
* Newsletters & Alerts
* Washington Post Live
* Reprints & Permissions
* Post Store
* Books & E-Books
* Print Archives (Subscribers Only)
* Today’s Paper
* Public Notices
* Crosswords & Games
* Download on iOS
* Download on Android

Contact Us

* Contact the Newsroom
* Contact Customer Care
* Contact the Opinions Team
* Advertise
* Licensing & Syndication
* Request a Correction
* Send a News Tip
* Report a Vulnerability

Terms of Use

* Digital Products Terms of Sale
* Print Products Terms of Sale
* Terms of Service
* Privacy Policy
* Cookie Settings
* Submissions & Discussion Policy
* RSS Terms of Service
* Sitemap
* Ad Choices
* Your Privacy Choices

washingtonpost.com © 1996-2026 The Washington Post

* WP Intelligence
* Ask The Post AI
* WP Creative Group
* Workforce Demographics
* Careers
* Media & Community Relations
* Accessibility Statement

* Trending
* Politics
* Elections
* Opinions
* National
* World
* Style
* Sports
* Business
* Climate
* Well+Being
* D.C., Md., & Va.
* Obituaries
* Weather
* Arts & Entertainment
* Recipes

* WP Intelligence
* Enterprise Subscriptions
* Manage Your Subscription
* Become a Subscriber
* Gift Subscriptions
* Mobile & Apps
* Newsletters & Alerts
* Washington Post Live
* Reprints & Permissions
* Post Store
* Books & E-Books
* Print Archives (Subscribers Only)
* Today’s Paper
* Public Notices
* Crosswords & Games
* Download on iOS
* Download on Android

* Contact the Newsroom
* Contact Customer Care
* Contact the Opinions Team
* Advertise
* Licensing & Syndication
* Request a Correction
* Send a News Tip
* Report a Vulnerability
* Download the Washington Post App

* About The Post
* Policies & Standards
* Digital Products Terms of Sale
* Print Products Terms of Sale
* Terms of Service
* Privacy Policy
* Cookie Settings
* Submissions & Discussion Policy
* RSS Terms of Service
* Sitemap
* Ad Choices
* Your Privacy Choices

* washingtonpost.com
* © 1996-2026 The Washington Post

5.61.6

!pixel