KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – As of August 7, the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities and 4,209 confirmed cases, according to official reports. This number indicates an increase of 29 deaths compared to the 1,887 figure reported previously. Health officials also noted that 595 patients are currently in isolation for treatment, while another 828 have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
The epidemic remains centered in Ituri, with 3,636 confirmed cases and 1,551 deaths, while North Kivu has reported 470 cases and 315 deaths. Haut Uele accounts for 91 cases and 44 deaths, Tshopo has nine cases and five deaths, and South Kivu reports three cases with one death. Overall, the outbreak has impacted 53 of the 140 health zones across five provinces.
On the latest day, 89 new confirmed cases and 21 additional deaths pushed the national totals higher, with Ituri responsible for 73 of the new infections. North Kivu recorded 12 cases, and Haut Uele four. Officials reported that 83.4% of identified contacts are under follow-up across the affected regions, as health teams continue to review and align case and mortality data with ongoing surveillance updates.
Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak Expands in Eastern Regions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the outbreak in May after laboratory tests 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 serious health issues, with some patients experiencing bleeding. This marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.
The Ministry of Health of DR Congo has coordinated response efforts focusing on surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and clinical management. Infection control measures and safe burial practices are implemented to curb transmission, especially in insecure and highly mobile communities in eastern Congo. Health teams keep monitoring contacts and investigating suspected cases across affected zones and major travel routes.
No Approved Vaccine for Bundibugyo Virus
In contrast to the Zaire strain of Ebola, Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specifically approved treatment. Medical responses are primarily supportive, including hydration, symptom relief, and close clinical observation. Ongoing research is assessing potential vaccines and investigational therapies. Surveillance has also detected infections outside of Congo; Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July, with no new cases reported after June 21.
These latest statistics make the 2026 outbreak the largest recorded instance of Bundibugyo virus. Although transmission is mainly confined to DR Congo, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu, case and death counts continue to rise despite enhanced surveillance, isolation, and contact monitoring. Authorities persist in laboratory testing, case detection, patient care, and infection control, updating the national figures as new surveillance data becomes available.