KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in the loss of 1,916 lives and confirmed 4,209 cases, according to data updated through August 7. This number signifies an increase of 29 deaths from the previous report of 1,887. Additionally, 595 patients are currently receiving treatment in isolation facilities. The outbreak has also seen 828 individuals recover from the Bundibugyo virus disease.
Ituri remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 3,636 confirmed infections and 1,551 fatalities. The neighboring North Kivu province has reported 470 cases and 315 deaths. Haut Uele has documented 91 cases accompanied by 44 deaths, while Tshopo has nine cases and five deaths. South Kivu has reported three cases and one death. In total, the epidemic has impacted 53 of the 140 health zones across five provinces affected by the virus.
On the most recent day, 89 new confirmed cases and 21 additional deaths contributed to the national figures. The majority of these new infections, 73, were in Ituri. North Kivu contributed 12 cases, while Haut Uele reported four. Authorities have noted that 83.4% of identified contacts are under active follow-up in the affected regions. Efforts continue to refine and harmonize case and mortality data as ongoing surveillance efforts progress.
Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak Expands to Multiple Eastern Provinces
The Democratic Republic of the Congo officially recognized the outbreak in May after laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization designated the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. Symptoms of the virus include fever, weakness, body aches, vomiting, and other severe signs. Some patients also experience bleeding. This current epidemic marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.
The Ministry of Health in Congo has launched a comprehensive response that emphasizes surveillance, laboratory testing, patient isolation, contact tracing, and clinical management. In addition, health teams implement infection control protocols and safe burial practices to help curb transmission. The response efforts target communities facing insecurity and high population mobility, especially in parts of eastern Congo. Medical teams are actively monitoring contacts and investigating suspected cases across affected zones and along major travel routes to prevent further spread.
No Approved Vaccine for Bundibugyo Virus Exists
In contrast to the Zaire species of Ebola, Bundibugyo virus currently lacks an approved vaccine or targeted treatment. Medical interventions are primarily supportive, focusing on hydration, symptom relief, and close clinical observation. Researchers are actively testing potential vaccines and investigational therapies. Surveillance efforts outside Congo have also tracked infections, with Uganda recording 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July. No new confirmed cases have been reported there since June 21.
These latest figures make the 2026 outbreak the largest documented in terms of Bundibugyo virus infections. The transmission remains concentrated mainly within DR Congo, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu. Despite expanded efforts involving increased surveillance, isolation, and contact monitoring in the affected health zones, the numbers of cases and deaths continue to grow. Authorities persist in maintaining laboratory testing, case detection, patient treatment, and infection prevention measures while continuously updating the national count as new surveillance data becomes available.