Email: communications@africacdc.org
1. Background and Context
1.1 Current Epidemiological Situation
The outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BEVD) was declared on 15 May 2026 in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Epidemiological investigations indicate that the outbreak likely originated in the mining-intensive Mongbwalu Health Zone before spreading to other health zones in Ituri Province, neighboring provinces, and across the border into Uganda. Following the outbreak declaration, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026, while Africa CDC declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on 18 May 2026. Africa CDC, WHO, national governments, and partners continue to coordinate an African-led response to contain the outbreak.
As of 8 June 2026, a total of 608 confirmed cases and 102 deaths among confirmed cases have been reported across the DRC and Uganda, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 16.7%. Twenty-three patients have recovered, and 6,403 contacts have been identified for follow-up. The outbreak is currently affecting 25 health zones in the DRC and one district in Uganda. Healthcare workers remain disproportionately affected, with 34 confirmed infections and five deaths reported across both countries.
The DRC accounts for the majority of the outbreak burden, reporting 589 confirmed cases, 100 deaths, and 19 recoveries. Transmission remains concentrated in Ituri Province, which accounts for approximately 95% of all confirmed cases. A total of 5,611 contacts have been identified in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu Provinces, although only 60% are currently under active follow-up. Recent investigations identified a confirmed case who traveled to Kisangani, Tshopo Province, raising concerns about potential geographic expansion of the outbreak. Twenty-nine healthcare workers have been infected, resulting in five deaths.
Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, including 14 imported cases linked to transmission in the DRC. Four patients have recovered, while 13 confirmed cases remain under treatment. A total of 668 contacts are under follow-up, and enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and border health measures remain in place to prevent further transmission.
The outbreak continues to pose a significant risk of regional spread due to extensive population movement, trade, and porous borders linking different countries. Enhanced surveillance, rapid detection, contact tracing, and cross-border coordination remain critical to interrupt transmission and prevent wider regional and international spread while minimizing disruptions to travel and trade.
