KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – According to official figures released through August 7, DR Congo’s Ebola epidemic has resulted in 1,916 fatalities and confirmed 4,209 cases. This figure marks an increase of 29 deaths from the previously reported 1,887. Additionally, health officials have recorded 595 patients in isolation and 828 individuals who have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
The epidemic remains centered in Ituri, which has reported 3,636 confirmed cases and 1,551 deaths. In North Kivu, there are 470 cases and 315 deaths, while Haut Uele has documented 91 cases along with 44 fatalities. Tshopo reports nine cases and five deaths, and South Kivu has three cases with one death. Overall, the outbreak has affected 53 out of 140 health zones across the five provinces impacted.
On the most recent day, the official tally increased by 89 confirmed cases and 21 deaths. Ituri contributed 73 of these new infections. North Kivu recorded 12, while Haut Uele accounted for four. Authorities indicated that 83.4% of identified contacts are currently under follow-up across the affected regions. Health teams continue to review and standardize case and death counts as surveillance data is updated.
Expansion of Bundibugyo Outbreak into Eastern Regions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the presence of the outbreak in May, following laboratory identification of the Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization classified the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. The virus can lead to symptoms such as fever, weakness, body pain, vomiting, and other severe health issues. In some cases, bleeding also occurs. This epidemic marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country since the virus was first discovered in 1976.
The Congolese Ministry of Health has mobilized response activities focused on surveillance, testing, isolating cases, contact tracing, and providing clinical care. Measures to prevent transmission include infection control protocols and safe burial procedures. The response efforts target communities in eastern Congo where insecurity and high population movement complicate containment. Health workers are actively monitoring contacts and investigating suspected cases across affected zones and along major travel corridors.
No Approved Vaccine for Bundibugyo Virus
In contrast to the Zaire strain of Ebola virus, Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specifically approved treatment options. Medical management emphasizes supportive care, including hydration, symptom relief, and close clinical observation. Investigational vaccines and treatments are under evaluation in ongoing research programs. Surveillance in the region has also identified infections beyond Congo’s borders. Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July, with no new cases reported there after June 21.
The latest data indicates this is the largest outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus to date, with ongoing transmission mainly within DR Congo, especially in Ituri and North Kivu. Despite expanded efforts in surveillance, isolation, and contact monitoring, the total number of cases and fatalities continues to grow. Authorities persist in conducting laboratory testing, case detection, patient management, and infection control, updating the national count as new surveillance data becomes available.