KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – According to official data up to August 7, the Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 deaths and 4,209 confirmed infections. This figure indicates an increase of 29 fatalities compared to the previous update, which reported 1,887 deaths. The health authorities also noted that 595 patients are currently under care in isolation facilities. An additional 828 individuals have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
The epidemic’s epicenter remains in Ituri, with 3,636 confirmed cases and 1,551 fatalities. North Kivu has documented 470 cases and 315 deaths, while Haut Uele reports 91 cases and 44 deaths. Tshopo has nine cases with five deaths, and South Kivu reports three cases and one death. Overall, the outbreak has affected 53 of the 140 health zones across the five impacted provinces.
On the most recent day, 89 new confirmed cases and 21 new deaths contributed to the total counts. Ituri was responsible for 73 of the new infections. North Kivu identified 12, and Haut Uele recorded four. Authorities also indicated that 83.4% of contacts identified were actively followed up across the affected regions. Surveillance teams are continuously reviewing and standardizing case and mortality data as records are updated.
Expansion of Bundibugyo Virus 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 causes symptoms such as fever, weakness, body pains, vomiting, and other severe health issues. Some patients may also experience bleeding. This is the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.
The Ministry of Health in Congo has coordinated responses involving surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and clinical treatment. Measures like infection control protocols and safe burial practices are being implemented to curb the spread. The response efforts include communities facing insecurity and high migration, especially in eastern Congo. Health teams are actively monitoring contacts and investigating suspected cases across affected zones and key travel corridors.
No Approved Vaccine for Bundibugyo Virus
In contrast to the Zaire strain of Ebola, Bundibugyo virus currently lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment. Medical management primarily involves supportive care, such as hydration, symptom relief, and close clinical observation. Ongoing research is assessing potential vaccines and experimental treatments. Outside Congo, regional surveillance has tracked infections, with Uganda recording 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July. No new confirmed cases have been reported there after June 21.
These latest figures mark the 2026 outbreak as the largest documented event caused by Bundibugyo virus. Transmission remains primarily within DR Congo, especially in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. Despite expanded efforts in surveillance, isolation, and contact monitoring, the rising number of cases and fatalities persists. Authorities continue to conduct laboratory testing, case identification, patient treatment, and infection control activities while updating the national tally as new surveillance data emerges.