Ebola: History of the Disease, Countries Affected and Death Toll

Muqdisho, 6 October 2026 – The Ebola virus has resurfaced, raising health concerns in some African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where a new outbreak is ongoing. Kenya also confirmed its first case of Ebola on October 6, after a Kenyan who had traveled from the DRC brought the virus and later died in Nairobi.

Ebola was first identified in 1976, with two outbreaks occurring simultaneously on the African continent. One occurred in what is now South Sudan, while the second took place in Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The name Ebola is derived from the Ebola River in the DRC, near the site where the virus was first identified.

Since its discovery, Ebola has erupted at various times in countries including the DRC, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Gabon, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Republic of Congo. Cases of the virus have also been recorded in countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, and South Africa.

The largest Ebola outbreak in history occurred in West Africa between 2014 and 2016, particularly in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. More than 28,000 cases were recorded, with over 11,000 people dying from the virus. This outbreak significantly impacted health services, the economy, education, and social life.

In 2026, the DRC once again became the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak. Reports up to early October indicate that the country has recorded thousands of cases and more than four thousand deaths. The outbreak has spread to many areas, with the situation being exacerbated by conflicts, displacement of people, and healthcare services that are not easily accessible.

Uganda also experienced an Ebola outbreak this year caused by the Bundibugyo strain. The country recorded cases and deaths, but the Ugandan government later announced that the outbreak in the country had ended after no new transmissions were reported for a sufficient period.

On October 6, 2026, Kenya became the new country linked to the ongoing outbreak in the region. A Kenyan who had been living in the DRC contracted the disease and was later confirmed to have Ebola after arriving in Nairobi. The patient died, and the Kenyan Ministry of Health began tracing the contacts he had made.

Ebola is a dangerous viral disease, and it is often transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person infected with the disease or contaminated objects. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, with severe cases potentially leading to bleeding and death.

The impact of the Ebola disease is not limited to health alone. Outbreaks can disrupt trade, movement of people, education, and hospital operations. Healthcare workers also face a high risk, while families and communities may experience fear, isolation, and economic hardships.

The history of Ebola shows that the disease has the ability to rapidly affect communities when detection and control measures are delayed. Therefore, early testing, isolating infected individuals, tracing contacts of patients, and community awareness are crucial to prevent widespread outbreaks.

As of October 6, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the main location of the Ebola outbreak, Uganda has ended its outbreak, while Kenya has confirmed a new case linked to the DRC.