Ebola outbreak situation update in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Declared on May 15, 2026, the 17th Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus continues to evolve amid a complex humanitarian and security situation. Initially confined to the Mongbwalu health zone (Ituri), it has spread to five provinces (Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo), now affecting 48 health zones.

Through July 23, health officials have reported 2,973 confirmed cases, including 1,309 deaths, for a case fatality rate of 44%.

An additional 315 suspected cases are also reported.

766 patients are currently in isolation and 540 people have recovered.

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Ituri province remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 89.0% of confirmed cases (n = 2,646) and 84.6% of deaths (n = 1,107), representing a case fatality rate of 41.8%. The health zones of Bunia (713 cases), Rwampara (490), Mongbwalu (484 cases), Nizi (316), Nyankunde (114), and Lita (103 cases) remain the most affected, accounting for approximately 83.9% of cases reported at the provincial level and 74.7% at the national level.

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In related news, on Friday, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa affirmed that research is currently being conducted at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) with the rigorous involvement of Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe with the aim of finding a vaccine in a short time.

“At the INRB in Kinshasa, with Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe, the team is working to find a treatment and a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. We hope that within two to four months we can have it,” she noted.

Population movements, insecurity, artisanal mining activities, and cross-border trade with Uganda and South Sudan continue to fuel transmission. Multisectoral coordination efforts remain focused on strengthening surveillance, intensifying response interventions, and limiting the spread of the outbreak.