Declared on May 15, 2026, the 17th Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, and the largest recorded Ebola virus disease outbreak in the country, 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 49 health zones (Tshopo has reported a fifth affected zone, Wanie-Rukula).
The number of confirmed cases have risen to 3,605 and 1,587 deaths (44% case fatality rate).
Kuru: A fascinating history of a devastating disease linked to cannibalism
Ituri province remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 88.1% of confirmed cases (n = 3,176) and 82.6% of deaths (n = 1,311), representing a case fatality rate of 41.3%. The health zones of Bunia (880 cases), Rwampara (627), Mongbwalu (541 cases), Nizi (377), Lita (131 cases), and Nyankunde (114) remain the most affected, accounting for approximately 84.1% of cases reported at the provincial level and 74.1% at the national level.
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in collaboration with WHO and partners, continue to implement extensive public health measures, including implementing the continental preparedness and response plan a strategic six-month framework plan designed to guide coordinated efforts to strengthen outbreak response measures, including emergency coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement, research, logistics and support for essential health services, engaging donors and mobilizing additional resources to address critical funding gaps and sustain response operations across affected and at-risk areas. A substantial scale-up will be needed in all pillars to get ahead of the outbreak.