KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola crisis in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities and 4,209 confirmed cases as of August 7, according to official figures. The death count has increased by 29 compared to the previous report of 1,887. Health officials are also caring for 595 patients in isolation, while 828 individuals have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus outbreak.
Ituri remains the epicenter, with 3,636 confirmed infections and 1,551 deaths. North Kivu has recorded 470 cases and 315 deaths, Haut Uele reports 91 cases and 44 deaths, Tshopo has nine cases with five fatalities, and South Kivu reports three cases and one death. Overall, the outbreak impacts 53 of the 140 health zones spread across five provinces.
The most recent daily report shows an addition of 89 confirmed cases and 21 deaths nationally, with Ituri accounting for 73 of the new infections. North Kivu contributed 12 cases, while Haut Uele added four. Authorities indicate that 83.4% of identified contacts are currently under follow-up. Efforts continue to update, review, and harmonize case and mortality data as surveillance efforts progress.
Bundibugyo Virus Spreads Further in Eastern Regions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the outbreak in May following laboratory detection of Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization classified the situation as 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 issues, with some cases experiencing bleeding. This marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.
The Congolese Ministry of Health has mobilized responses focused on surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and patient care. Infection control measures and safe burial procedures are also in place to limit transmission, especially in insecure and highly mobile populations in eastern Congo. Monitoring continues as health teams investigate suspected cases and track contacts across affected regions and major travel routes.
No Approved Vaccine Exists for Bundibugyo Virus
In contrast to Zaire Ebola, Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specifically approved treatment. Supportive care, including hydration, symptom control, and close monitoring, remains the main approach. Various research initiatives are exploring candidate vaccines and experimental therapies. Outside Congo, surveillance has detected infections in neighboring regions; Uganda, for example, reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July, with no new cases after June 21.
These latest data make the 2026 outbreak the most extensive Bundibugyo virus epidemic documented so far. While transmission primarily occurs in DR Congo—especially in Ituri and North Kivu—the increase in cases and fatalities persists despite intensified surveillance, isolation, and contact tracing efforts. Authorities continue laboratory testing, case detection, patient management, and infection prevention, updating the national figures as new information emerges.