KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities and confirmed 4,209 cases, based on official reports through August 7. The death toll has risen by 29 from the previous update, which reported 1,887 deaths. Health authorities also indicated that 595 patients are currently in isolation for treatment. Additionally, 828 individuals have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
Ituri remains the epicenter of the epidemic, with 3,636 confirmed cases and 1,551 deaths. North Kivu has reported 470 cases and 315 deaths. Haut Uele has documented 91 cases and 44 deaths, while Tshopo has nine cases and five deaths. South Kivu accounts for three cases and one death. Overall, the outbreak has affected 53 out of 140 health zones across the five provinces impacted.
The most recent daily figures reveal an addition of 89 confirmed cases and 21 fatalities to the national totals. Of these, 73 new infections occurred in Ituri, while North Kivu recorded 12, and Haut Uele saw four. Officials reported that 83.4% of identified contacts are being monitored across the affected regions. Health teams are actively reviewing and updating case and mortality data as surveillance records are revised.
Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak Spreads Across Eastern Regions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo officially identified the outbreak in May after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization declared this outbreak 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 complications. Some patients also experience bleeding. Since its discovery in 1976, this marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak involving the virus.
The Congolese Ministry of Health has mobilized response measures focused on surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and clinical treatment. Infection control protocols and safe burial practices are being enforced to curb transmission. The efforts reach communities facing insecurity and high population mobility, especially in eastern Congo. Health teams are continuously monitoring contacts and investigating suspected cases in affected zones and along major transit routes.
No Approved Vaccine Exists for Bundibugyo Virus
In contrast to the Zaire species of Ebola, Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specifically approved treatment. Medical responses primarily rely on supportive care, including hydration, symptom relief, and careful clinical observation. Research initiatives are ongoing to evaluate candidate vaccines and experimental therapies. Surveillance outside Congo has also detected infections; Uganda, for example, reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July, with no new confirmed cases after June 21.
These latest figures make the 2026 outbreak the most extensive recorded for Bundibugyo virus. Transmission remains mostly concentrated in DR Congo, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu. Despite enhanced surveillance, isolation, and contact monitoring efforts, the rising case and death counts persist. Authorities continue laboratory testing, case detection, patient management, and infection control while updating national data as new surveillance information emerges.