KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 deaths and 4,209 confirmed infections as of August 7, according to official figures. This marks an increase of 29 fatalities compared to the previously reported total of 1,887. Health officials also reported 595 individuals in isolation receiving treatment. Additionally, 828 people have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
Ituri remains the epicenter, with 3,636 confirmed cases and 1,551 fatalities. North Kivu has recorded 470 cases and 315 deaths. Haut Uele has reported 91 cases and 44 deaths, while Tshopo has nine cases with five fatalities. South Kivu has documented three cases and one death. The outbreak has now affected 53 out of 140 health zones within the five provinces impacted.
On the latest day, 89 new confirmed cases and 21 deaths contributed to the national totals. Of these, Ituri accounted for 73 new infections. North Kivu recorded 12 new cases, and Haut Uele had four. Authorities have stated that 83.4% of contacts identified are currently being monitored across affected regions. Efforts by health teams continue to update and standardize case and mortality data as surveillance efforts progress.
Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak Spreads Throughout Eastern Regions
In May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the outbreak after laboratory testing identified Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization designated the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. The virus can cause symptoms such as fever, weakness, body pain, vomiting, and severe clinical signs including bleeding in some patients. Since the virus’s discovery in 1976, this marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak.
The Ministry of Health in DR Congo has mobilized response efforts, emphasizing surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and clinical management. Infection control measures and safe burial protocols are being enforced to limit transmission. These efforts extend into regions facing instability and high population movement in eastern Congo, with teams continuing to monitor contacts and investigate suspected cases across affected areas and major travel routes.
No Approved Vaccine Exists for Bundibugyo Virus
Unlike the Zaire strain of Ebola, Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specifically approved treatment. Patient care primarily involves supportive treatment such as hydration, symptom relief, and close clinical observation. Research initiatives are ongoing to evaluate candidate vaccines and experimental therapies. Surveillance outside Congo has also identified infections, with Uganda reporting 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July; no new confirmed cases have been reported there since June 21.
This outbreak, expected to extend into 2026, is the largest documented case of Bundibugyo virus since the virus’s discovery. Transmission remains heavily concentrated within DR Congo, especially in Ituri and North Kivu. Despite expanded surveillance, isolation, and contact tracing efforts, the total number of cases and deaths continues to rise. Authorities are maintaining laboratory testing, case detection, patient management, and infection prevention measures while continuously updating the national count with new surveillance data.