Mukwege warns Congo Ebola outbreak may be deadliest on record

Nobel Peace Prize-winning Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could become the deadliest ever recorded. He made the warning in an article published by Le Monde. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on May 17, 2026. Mukwege said the disease is spreading in the country’s eastern conflict-hit areas. He said there is no licensed vaccine or treatment for the rare Bundibugyo strain. The World Health Organization estimates that developing treatment could take six to nine months at best. According to the latest figures, 746 suspected cases and 176 deaths have been recorded.