Scenario at a look
The Bundibugyo virus illness (BVD) outbreak within the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to evolve quickly, with sustained transmission and rising numbers of reported instances. As of 17 June, a cumulative of 896 confirmed instances, together with 232 deaths, have been reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As of 18 June, Uganda has reported 19 confirmed instances together with two deaths, in addition to one possible case who has died.
In Uganda, the outbreak stays epidemiologically linked to transmission originating within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with proof of each imported infections and secondary transmission amongst contacts and healthcare employees. Uganda has not reported any new instances since 5 June 2026.
Nationwide authorities within the two affected international locations, in collaboration with WHO and companions, are implementing an in depth set of response measures. A regional preparedness and prioritization framework continues to information readiness actions throughout the African Area.
Description of the state of affairs
For the reason that final Illness Outbreak Information was revealed on 13 June 2026, the variety of confirmed instances and deaths have elevated quickly within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In whole, 915 confirmed instances; 896 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 19 from Uganda; and 234 deaths together with two from Uganda, have been reported. Not less than 88 sufferers have recovered from the illness; 78 sufferers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 10 sufferers from Uganda.
Determine 1. Distribution of confirmed instances of Bundibugyo virus illness within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 17 June; and Uganda, as of 18 June
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Since 13 June when the final Illness Outbreak Information was revealed, an extra 220 confirmed instances, together with 96 confirmed deaths, have been reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The rise is partly because of the scale up of testing and diagnostic capacities, enabling testing of the backlog of beforehand collected samples. As of 17 June 2026, a complete of 896 confirmed instances together with 232 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR] 26%) have been reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The reported CFR is probably going an underestimation, as many deaths that occurred earlier than the outbreak declaration stay below investigation. To this point, 78 sufferers have recovered. Instances have been reported from 33 well being zones (HZ) from Ituri (21/36 HZ), North Kivu (11/35 HZ) and South Kivu provinces (1/34 HZ)[1].
The outbreak stays concentrated in Ituri Province, which accounts for 91.1% (817) of the confirmed instances with a CFR of twenty-two.7% (186/817). The very best variety of confirmed instances in Ituri Province are reported from Bunia (247 instances), Rwampara (195 instances), Mongbwalu (189 instances), and Nyankunde (68 instances) well being zones. To this point, the epicentre of the outbreak stays Ituri, with new confirmed instances reported from an extra 4 well being zones as of 17 June. Nonetheless, the identification of instances in a few of these newly reporting well being zones could mirror beforehand undetected transmission somewhat than current introduction of the virus. Epidemiological investigations point out that transmission had probably been occurring in a few of these areas for a number of weeks earlier than the primary instances had been confirmed and reported. Of the overall confirmed instances, 17 are awaiting distribution by well being zone.
As of 17 June, 6367 contacts have been recognized and are below follow-up throughout Ituri (4659), North Kivu (1628), and South Kivu (80) provinces. Of those, 4525 contacts have been adopted up, comparable to follow-up charges of 70.8% in Ituri, 70.5% in North Kivu, and 100% in South Kivu.
The outbreak is unfolding in a posh humanitarian and conflict-affected surroundings, characterised by extremely cell and sometimes displaced populations, usually missing entry to fundamental providers, together with meals, clear water, shelter, healthcare and safety which poses an elevated threat to the populations residing in overcrowded internally displaced camps. These dynamics, mixed with rising security-related incidents affecting well being amenities, have posed further operational challenges in affected provinces, corresponding to constrained entry for response groups, disrupted surveillance and response actions, and heightened threat of undetected transmission. These circumstances underscore the necessity for response efforts to be led by native leaders and anchored in communities.
Determine 2: Variety of confirmed instances (n = 896), within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting as of 17 June 2026
Determine 3: Variety of deaths amongst confirmed instances (n = 232), within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting as of 17 June 2026
NB: Newly reported confirmed instances/deaths could also be a part of the backlog of samples and due to this fact not essentially newly acquired infections.
Uganda
The final confirmed case was reportedly recognized on 5 June 2026. As of 18 June 2026, a cumulative of 19 confirmed instances together with two deaths in imported instances (reported on 15 Might and 5 June), and one possible case who has died, have been reported. Of the confirmed instances, 14 instances are imported and 5 are secondary transmission amongst contacts and well being employees following instances imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The instances have been reported from two districts, Kampala and Wakiso, each a part of the Kampala Metropolitan Space. Thus far, there was no documented group transmission in Uganda. Publicity dangers are related to healthcare settings and cross-border actions. Following case reclassification, the variety of affected healthcare employees was revised from 5 to 4. In whole 10 recoveries have been reported so far.
Of the 826 contacts listed as of 18 June, a complete of 122 contacts are below energetic comply with up and 694 contacts have accomplished their 21-day follow-up interval.
Determine 4: Variety of confirmed instances (n = 19), in Uganda by date of reporting as of 18 June 2026
Epidemiology
Bundibugyo virus illness (BVD) is a extreme and sometimes deadly type of Ebola illness brought on by the Bundibugyo virus, one of many Orthoebolavirus species. It’s a zoonotic illness, with fruit bats suspected to be the pure reservoir. Human an infection is believed to happen by shut contact with the blood or secretions of contaminated wildlife, corresponding to bats or non-human primates, and it subsequently spreads from individual to individual by direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or different bodily fluids of contaminated people or contaminated surfaces or gadgets. Transmission is especially amplified in health-care settings when an infection prevention and management (IPC) measures are insufficient, and through unsafe burial practices involving direct contact with the deceased.
The incubation interval for BVD ranges from two to 21 days, and people aren’t infectious till symptom onset. Early signs corresponding to fever, fatigue, muscle ache, headache, and sore throat, are non-specific, which complicates scientific analysis and might delay detection. These signs then progress to gastrointestinal signs, organ dysfunction, and in some instances haemorrhagic manifestations. CFRs up to now two BVD outbreaks, reported in Uganda and within the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2007 and 2012 had been 30% and 50%, respectively.
Differentiating BVD from different endemic febrile sicknesses corresponding to malaria is difficult with out laboratory affirmation utilizing PCR or antigen/antibody-based assays. Outbreak management depends on speedy case identification, isolation and care, contact tracing, protected burials, and powerful group engagement, as no accredited vaccines or particular therapies presently exist for BVD.
Public well being response
Well being authorities within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, in collaboration with WHO and companions, are implementing intensive public well being measures together with implementing the continental response plan, partaking donors and mobilizing further sources to handle essential funding gaps and maintain response operations throughout affected and at-risk areas.
For additional details about public well being response actions by the respective Ministry of Well being, WHO, and companions, please seek advice from the most recent state of affairs studies revealed by the WHO Regional Workplace for Africa Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Illness Outbreak Democratic Republic of the Congo | Uganda Weekly Exterior Scenario Report 5, Information as of 14 June 2026 | WHO | Regional Workplace for Africa
WHO threat evaluation
On 6 June 2026, WHO reassessed the chance of the outbreak of BVD to include newly out there data and align with the WHO Non permanent Suggestions. The danger for international locations sharing land borders with international locations with documented Bundibugyo virus (BVDV) detection, presently the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, has been separated out from the chance for different international locations within the African Area.
The danger within the Democratic Republic of the Congo stays assessed as very excessive attributable to ongoing transmission and the continued enlargement of the outbreak into new well being zones, rising the potential for additional nationwide and regional unfold.
The danger in Uganda remains to be assessed as excessive attributable to confirmed cross-border unfold by imported instances and ongoing epidemiological hyperlinks alongside the jap Democratic Republic of the Congo–western Uganda hall, traditionally affected by Ebola outbreaks, together with Bundibugyo and Sudan virus illness outbreaks.
The danger for international locations with land borders adjoining international locations with documented BDBV detection is assessed as excessive attributable to sustained inhabitants mobility linked to cross-border commerce and mining actions, variation in capacities and expertise of BVD response, and variable ranges of readiness.
The danger for the remainder of the Africa area and on the world stage is assessed as low.
For additional data, please see the WHO Speedy Danger Evaluation – Ebola illness brought on by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and international locations with land borders adjoining international locations with documented BDBV detection v3.
WHO recommendation
WHO advises in opposition to any restriction of journey to, or commerce with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda based mostly on the presently out there data. WHO continues to carefully monitor and, the place needed, confirm journey and commerce measures in relation to this occasion.
For additional data on the concerns for implementing border well being and worldwide travel-related momentary suggestions, please see the related technical be aware issued on 26 Might 2026.
The Non permanent Suggestions issued to State Events on 22 Might 2026 underscore the significance of coordinated outbreak management, enhanced cross‑border collaboration, and sustained surveillance and preparedness to stop additional regional unfold and guarantee an efficient public well being response.
WHO has convened a number of technical advisory teams, together with the Strategic Advisory Group of Consultants on Immunization (SAGE) to evaluate candidate vaccines and therapeutics for BVD. Key suggestions made can be found within the information launch revealed on 28 Might 2026.
Common Data merchandise on the outbreak of BVD within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda
Additional data
Present outbreak: declarations and standing
Epidemiological updates and state of affairs studies
Printed Illness Outbreak Information (present outbreak)
Medical administration, IPC, and occupational security
Coaching
Prior Bundibugyo virus illness occasions, DRC (2012)
Background and reference
Citable reference: World Well being Group (19 June 2026). Illness Outbreak Information; Bundibugyo Virus Illness, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Out there at: https://www/who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak/information/merchandise/2026-DON608
[1] #Information supply: Centre des opérations d’urgences de sante publique (COUSP-DRC)
