A Bundibugyo virus Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has grown to 60 affected health zones across six provinces, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths recorded as of August 26, 2026, the World Health Organization reported.
Six provinces are now affected: Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, Tshopo, and the two Kivu provinces, North Kivu and South Kivu. The outbreak covered 54 health zones as of the WHO's previous Disease Outbreak News on August 14, 2026, meaning six additional zones reported cases in roughly 12 days.
The newly affected zones include Ganga and Viadana in Bas-Uélé, three zones in North Kivu, Biena, Manguredjipa, and Mutwanga, and Tshopo health zone within Tshopo province.
The crude case fatality ratio stands at 48.1%, which WHO ties to persistent difficulties in timely case detection, limited access to quality clinical care, and ongoing viral transmission. Delayed recognition of cases raises the risk of further spread within households, communities, and healthcare facilities, the agency said.
The outbreak retains its status as a public health emergency of international concern. An Emergency Committee met on August 18, 2026 and advised that the designation be maintained.