2 articles · Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Jun 13
Summary
695 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases and 138 deaths have now been reported across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, after DRC alone added 161 cases and 45 deaths since 8 June.
Expanded testing and diagnostic capacity in DRC cleared a backlog of previously collected samples, driving the sharp rise in reported infections even as some newly logged cases may not be recent transmissions.
676 of the cases are in DRC, where Ituri province accounts for 629 infections and the outbreak has spread to 29 health zones; 5,768 contacts have been identified, with 4,141 under follow-up.
19 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported in Uganda, all linked to imported infections or their contacts in Kampala and Wakiso, with no documented community transmission so far.
WHO still rates the risk as very high in DRC and high in Uganda, citing cross-border movement, conflict-related access problems and the lack of approved vaccines or specific treatments.
This Ebola-like virus evades common tests. How can Africa stop its silent spread across borders?
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Ebola Returns: 2026 Bundibugyo Outbreak in DRC and Uganda Exposes Gaps in Global Health Security
Overview
As of mid-June 2026, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda is caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The first known case was identified in a nurse on April 24, which led DRC officials to recognize the outbreak. Growing international concern prompted the World Health Organization to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026, highlighting the risk of international spread and the need for a coordinated response. Despite these concerns, the immediate risk to populations outside the affected regions remains contained, according to health authorities.