Ebola outbreak expands across DRC and Uganda

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda are dealing with a growing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus

As of 6 June 2026, the two countries have reported a combined total of 534 confirmed cases and 93 deaths. The outbreak, which remains concentrated in eastern DRC, has also crossed into neighbouring Uganda through infected travellers, raising concerns about regional spread.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has described the situation in DRC as “very high risk” and has called for stronger surveillance, cross-border cooperation, and community engagement to contain the disease.

DRC remains the epicentre

A lot of the cases have been reported in the DRC, where 515 confirmed infections and 91 deaths have been recorded. The Ebola outbreak has spread across 25 health zones in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.

Ituri Province remains the hardest-hit area, accounting for 94% of all confirmed cases. The largest clusters have been identified in Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, and Nyankunde health zones.

Health officials say part of the recent increase in reported cases is linked to expanded testing capacity, which has allowed laboratories to process previously collected samples. However, ongoing insecurity in some affected regions is making it difficult for response teams to reach communities, conduct surveillance, and provide treatment.

More than 5,000 contacts are currently being monitored across affected provinces, though follow-up rates vary considerably by region.

Uganda reports imported cases

Uganda has confirmed 19 cases and two deaths linked to the outbreak, along with one probable fatal case. Authorities say all infections can be traced to travellers arriving from the DRC or to people who had close contact with them.

Most cases have been identified in Kampala and Wakiso districts. Health officials have not found evidence of sustained community transmission within Uganda.

Around 70% of confirmed cases involve Congolese nationals who travelled to Uganda seeking medical care. Contact tracing efforts are ongoing, with more than 660 contacts currently under observation.

A separate investigation involving a patient who travelled through Uganda to the United Arab Emirates found no evidence of onward transmission. UAE health authorities conducted extensive tracing and risk assessments, concluding that the risk of spread was very low.

Bundibugyo virus disease

Bundibugyo virus disease is a form of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, one of the Ebola virus species. The disease is believed to originate from infected wildlife, particularly fruit bats, before spreading between humans through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials.

Symptoms can initially resemble common illnesses such as malaria and include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat. In severe cases, patients may develop organ failure and haemorrhagic complications.

There are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease. Public health measures such as rapid diagnosis, patient isolation, contact tracing, infection prevention, and safe burial practices remain the most effective tools for controlling outbreaks.

International response

In response to the escalating outbreak, WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan on 5 June.

This plan is using US $518 million to support outbreak preparedness, detection, and response efforts across Africa.

Despite the growing number of cases, WHO does not recommend travel or trade restrictions for either the DRC or Uganda. Instead, the agency continues to emphasise coordinated regional action, strengthened border surveillance, and sustained public health preparedness to prevent further spread.