Kinshasa, August 31, 2026: Health authorities and international organizations are intensifying efforts to contain a rapidly expanding outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak had reached 60 health zones across six provinces by August 26, demonstrating a significant expansion from the 54 affected health zones reported earlier in August.

The affected provinces include Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo and Bas-Uélé. Ituri remains the main centre of transmission, while North Kivu has also recorded a substantial number of infections.

Thousands of Confirmed Cases Reported

WHO’s latest situation report said that 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths had been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of August 26. The reported case-fatality ratio was approximately 48%.

Health officials caution that the increase in reported cases reflects both continuing transmission and improved surveillance, laboratory testing and the reconciliation of previously delayed data.

The scale of the outbreak has made rapid identification of patients particularly important. Delays in recognizing infections can increase the possibility of transmission within families, communities and healthcare facilities.

Outbreak Remains a Global Health Concern

The WHO continues to classify the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The organization has assessed the risk inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo as very high because of continued transmission, geographic expansion and difficulties associated with insecurity and limited healthcare resources.

The situation is particularly challenging in areas where conflict and insecurity make it harder for medical teams to reach affected communities and maintain consistent disease-control measures.

Vaccination and Treatment Efforts Underway

The response has recently expanded beyond surveillance and supportive medical care. Congo began Ebola vaccinations for frontline healthcare workers on August 27, according to reports, as authorities seek to protect personnel working directly with infected patients.

WHO is also supporting research into potential treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease. A clinical trial investigating possible therapies is already underway in treatment facilities in Ituri province.

Because Bundibugyo virus disease does not currently have an approved vaccine specifically designed for the strain, researchers and health agencies are working to evaluate available tools and develop more targeted countermeasures.

Why Early Detection Matters

Bundibugyo virus disease can initially resemble other illnesses that cause fever and weakness, making laboratory confirmation important. As the disease progresses, patients can develop gastrointestinal symptoms, organ dysfunction and, in some cases, bleeding-related complications.

WHO emphasizes rapid case detection, isolation, appropriate clinical care, contact tracing, safe burials and cooperation with communities as key elements of outbreak control.

International Monitoring Continues

The expanding outbreak has prompted continued surveillance beyond Congo’s borders. WHO has been monitoring potential Ebola-related signals in other countries and coordinating with national authorities to investigate suspected cases.

Uganda, which previously reported cases linked to the Bundibugyo outbreak, completed its enhanced monitoring period without additional cases and was declared free of the outbreak in August.

For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, however, the response remains focused on slowing transmission, protecting healthcare workers and improving access to timely diagnosis and treatment.

The latest developments underline the importance of sustained international support as health authorities attempt to bring the rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak under control.