KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – According to official figures through August 7, the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities and confirmed 4,209 cases. This marks an increase of 29 deaths compared to the 1,887 reported in the previous update. Health authorities also reported 595 patients currently receiving treatment in isolation, while 828 individuals have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
The epidemic continues to be centered in Ituri, which has seen 3,636 confirmed infections and 1,551 deaths. North Kivu has documented 470 cases with 315 fatalities. Haut Uele has reported 91 cases and 44 deaths, Tshopo has nine cases and five deaths, and South Kivu has three cases with one death. Overall, the outbreak has spread to 53 of the 140 health zones across the five provinces most affected.
The most recent daily report recorded 89 new confirmed cases along with 21 additional deaths, contributing to the national totals. Ituri accounted for 73 of these new infections, while North Kivu and Haut Uele added 12 and four cases respectively. Authorities indicated that 83.4% of identified contacts are being monitored across the affected regions. Surveillance teams are actively reviewing and updating case and mortality data as new records are compiled.
Expansion of Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak in Eastern Regions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the outbreak in May following laboratory identification of 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 signs, with some patients experiencing bleeding. This epidemic represents the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.
The Ministry of Health in Congo has coordinated response efforts that focus on surveillance, testing, patient isolation, contact tracing, and clinical management. Infection control protocols and safe burial practices are also implemented to minimize transmission. These measures target communities facing insecurity and high movement in eastern Congo, with health teams continuing to track contacts and investigate suspected cases across affected zones and major travel corridors.
No Approved Vaccine for Bundibugyo Virus
Unlike the Zaire species of Ebola, the Bundibugyo virus currently lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment. Medical interventions primarily involve supportive care, such as hydration, symptom relief, and close clinical observation. Several research initiatives are underway to evaluate candidate vaccines and experimental therapies. Surveillance outside Congo has also identified infections, with Uganda recording 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July. No new cases have been reported there after June 21.
These latest statistics indicate that the 2026 outbreak is the largest documented occurrence caused by Bundibugyo virus. Transmission remains predominantly within DR Congo, especially in Ituri and North Kivu. Despite expanded efforts in surveillance, isolation, and contact tracing, the total number of cases and deaths continues to rise. Authorities maintain laboratory testing, case detection, patient care, and infection prevention measures while continuously updating the national figures as new surveillance data become available.