Bundibugyo Virus Ebola Outbreak: Over 1,000 Cases Confirmed in DR Congo

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases, with 254 deaths reported. Health authorities are facing significant challenges in contact tracing and identifying the outbreak's origin.

The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached a critical milestone, with confirmed cases exceeding 1,000. This outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virushas resulted in 254 deaths and 100 recoveries since it was declared on May 15.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Congo’s health ministry have been monitoring the situation closely. The outbreak, concentrated in the Ituri provincehas been particularly severe in its first month, with no available vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain.

The Current State of the Outbreak

As of 17 June 2026the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported a total of 896 confirmed cases, including 232 deaths. Uganda has also been affected, with 19 confirmed cases and two deaths. The outbreak remains epidemiologically linked to transmission originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with evidence of both imported infections and secondary transmission among contacts and healthcare workers.

The outbreak is unfolding in a complex humanitarian and conflict-affected environment, characterized by highly mobile and often displaced populations. These dynamics, combined with increasing security-related incidents affecting health facilities, have posed additional operational challenges in affected provinces, such as constrained access for response teams, disrupted surveillance and response activities, and heightened risk of undetected transmission.

Challenges in Contact Tracing and Response

Contact tracing remains a key issue for local authorities, who have only achieved a 55% coverage rate. Officials admit there could be far more cases they still do not know about and that the peak of the outbreak is still ahead. As of last week, authorities need to trace more than 35,000 people who have come in contact with infected individuals.

The outbreak is unfolding in a complex humanitarian and conflict-affected environment, characterized by highly mobile and often displaced populations. These dynamics, combined with increasing security-related incidents affecting health facilities, have posed additional operational challenges in affected provinces, such as constrained access for response teams, disrupted surveillance and response activities, and heightened risk of undetected transmission.

Public Health Response and Risk Assessment

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, in collaboration with WHO and partners, are implementing extensive public health measures. These measures include rapid case identification, isolation and care, contact tracing, safe burials, and strong community engagement. However, the lack of approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo virus complicates the response efforts.

On 6 June 2026WHO reassessed the risk of the outbreak, separating the risk for countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda from the risk for other countries in the African Region. The risk in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains assessed as very high due to ongoing transmission and the continued expansion of the outbreak into new health zones.

The WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda based on the currently available information. WHO continues to closely monitor and, where necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to this event.