KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – As of August 7, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities with a total of 4,209 confirmed cases, according to official figures. The death toll has increased by 29 compared to the 1,887 reported in the previous update. Health officials also noted that 595 patients are currently receiving care in isolation, while 828 individuals have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
The epidemic remains concentrated in Ituri, which has reported 3,636 confirmed cases and 1,551 deaths. North Kivu has documented 470 cases and 315 deaths. In Haut Uele, there have been 91 cases with 44 fatalities, while Tshopo has reported nine cases and five deaths. South Kivu has seen three cases and one death. Overall, the outbreak has affected 53 out of 140 health zones across the five provinces impacted by the crisis.
On the most recent day, 89 new confirmed cases and 21 deaths brought the national totals higher. Ituri accounted for 73 of the newly confirmed infections. North Kivu registered 12 new cases, and Haut Uele reported four. Authorities stated that 83.4% of identified contacts are currently being monitored across the affected regions. Efforts continue to review and align case and mortality data as surveillance records are updated.
Bundibugyo outbreak spreads throughout eastern regions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the presence of the outbreak in May, following laboratory identification of the Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. The virus can trigger symptoms such as fever, weakness, body pain, vomiting, and other severe conditions. Some patients also experience bleeding. This epidemic marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered in 1976.
The Congolese Ministry of Health has mobilized response measures including surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and clinical treatment. Infection control protocols and safe burial practices are employed to mitigate transmission risk. The response efforts target communities facing insecurity and high population mobility in eastern Congo. Health teams continue to monitor contacts and investigate suspected cases across affected zones and major travel corridors.
No Approved Vaccine for Bundibugyo Virus
In contrast to the Zaire strain of Ebola, the Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or approved specific treatment. Medical management focuses on 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 identified infections, with Uganda recording 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July, and no new confirmed cases reported there after June 21.
These latest statistics make the 2026 outbreak the largest recorded occurrence of Bundibugyo virus. Although transmission continues mainly within DR Congo, especially in Ituri and North Kivu, the rising case and fatality numbers persist despite enhanced surveillance, isolation, and contact monitoring efforts across affected health zones. Authorities maintain laboratory testing, case detection, patient management, and infection control measures while continuously updating the national count as new data emerges.