KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – According to official data through Aug. 7, the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities and 4,209 confirmed infections. This marks an increase of 29 deaths from the previous report of 1,887. Additionally, health authorities have documented 595 patients in isolation and 828 individuals who have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
The epidemic remains centered in Ituri, which has reported 3,636 confirmed cases and 1,551 deaths. North Kivu has recorded 470 cases with 315 deaths. Haut Uele has seen 91 cases and 44 deaths, while Tshopo reports nine cases and five deaths. South Kivu’s figures include three cases and one death. Overall, the outbreak has impacted 53 out of 140 health zones across five provinces affected by the crisis.
An additional 89 confirmed cases and 21 deaths contributed to the latest daily increase in the national totals. Ituri was responsible for 73 of these new infections. North Kivu accounted for 12, and Haut Uele for four. Officials stated that 83.4% of identified contacts are currently being monitored across the affected regions. Surveillance teams are actively reviewing and harmonizing case and mortality data as records are updated.
Expansion of Bundibugyo Outbreak in Eastern Provinces
The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the outbreak in May following laboratory tests that identified the Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. The virus can cause symptoms such as fever, weakness, body pain, vomiting, and other severe health issues. Some patients also experience bleeding. This epidemic marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.
Response efforts by the Congolese Ministry of Health have included surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and clinical treatment. Infection control measures and safe burial procedures are being enforced to limit transmission. The response efforts extend into communities facing insecurity and significant population movement in eastern Congo. Health teams are continually monitoring contacts and investigating suspected cases across affected zones and major travel routes.
No Approved Vaccine for Bundibugyo Virus
In contrast to the Zaire species of Ebola virus, Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specifically approved treatment. Medical management primarily involves supportive care, such as hydration, symptom relief, and close clinical observation. Research initiatives are underway to evaluate potential vaccines and experimental therapies. Surveillance outside Congo has also detected infections; for instance, Uganda had recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July, with no new confirmed cases after June 21.
These latest figures make the 2026 epidemic the largest outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus on record. Transmission remains mainly concentrated within DR Congo, especially in Ituri and North Kivu. Despite expanded surveillance, isolation, and contact monitoring across affected zones, the rising totals of cases and deaths persist. Authorities continue to conduct laboratory testing, case detection, patient treatment, and infection control while updating the national counts as new surveillance data is received.