September The Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 8,000 reported cases, according to the latest figures from the country’s health authorities cited by Reuters. The outbreak has become the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the country.

North Kivu Emerges as a Major Hotspot

The outbreak continues to affect multiple areas of the country, with North Kivu becoming a major focus of concern. Reuters reported that all 29 beds at the Kitatumba Ebola treatment centre were occupied during the latest assessment, reflecting the pressure being placed on local healthcare facilities.

The situation is particularly challenging in areas where insecurity, population displacement and limited access to healthcare make it difficult for response teams to identify cases quickly and follow contacts.

Thousands of Cases and Deaths

Earlier WHO data, covering September 7, recorded 6,757 confirmed cases and 3,267 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with cases reported across 61 health zones in six provinces. WHO said continued transmission and geographical expansion were contributing to the increase.

The latest national figures indicate that the outbreak has continued to grow since that WHO reporting period.

Bundibugyo Virus Presents a Particular Challenge

This outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola virus that is less extensively studied than some other Ebola viruses.

WHO says there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease. The agency is therefore prioritising research into vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and clinical management.

WHO has also issued emergency guidance concerning the possible use of the licensed Ervebo Ebola vaccine. However, available evidence is not yet sufficient to establish that the vaccine provides clinically meaningful protection against Bundibugyo virus in humans, and WHO recommends its use against this virus only within research protocols.

International Health Emergency

WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in May 2026. The organisation continues to assess the risk inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo as very high, while the risk for countries sharing land borders has been assessed as high.

At the same time, WHO has not recommended general travel or trade restrictions against affected countries.

Response Efforts Continue

Health authorities and international organisations are working on case detection, isolation, treatment, contact tracing, safe burials, infection prevention and community engagement.

However, insecurity and mistrust remain significant obstacles. Reuters reported that health facilities in parts of eastern Congo have been struggling to accommodate patients as cases rise.

The continuing spread of Bundibugyo virus is therefore being closely monitored by health authorities across Central and East Africa, particularly because population movement across borders could create additional challenges for disease surveillance.