Bundibugyo Virus Disease Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2026

The Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in DRC is now the largest Ebola outbreak ever documented in that country.

Intense transmission has driven the outbreak across 54 health zones in six different provinces.

As of 12 August 2026, cumulative confirmed cases exceeded 4600, with a crude case fatality ratio of nearly 47 percent.

During epidemiological week 32, both weekly case counts and reported deaths reached their highest levels yet.

Ituri Province accounts for roughly 85 percent of all confirmed cases reported nationwide so far.

At least 155 health workers have been infected, demonstrating serious occupational exposure risks at health-care facilities.

Challenges to infection prevention and control persist especially in facilities outside designated Ebola treatment centres.

Population displacement, insecurity, and cross-border movements continue to hinder surveillance and response activities.

Contact tracing coverage reached approximately 84 percent, leaving a notable proportion of contacts not yet followed up.

Uganda is maintaining heightened surveillance given the ongoing risk of cross-border transmission from DRC.

France reported no secondary transmission after managing one imported BVD case detected in late June.

WHO and partners are scaling up treatment centre capacity and training additional health workers across affected areas.