The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported that 702 people have died following an outbreak of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1,926 people have been infected across three provinces since the outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026. Health officials noted that 80% of new cases are originating from unknown chains of transmission, indicating that the virus is spreading faster than contact tracers can monitor.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control reported that many of the newly recorded deaths occurred within local communities rather than health facilities. This lack of medical supervision prevents health workers from isolating patients or tracing their contacts. Response efforts have been impeded by a lack of approved vaccines for this specific strain, ongoing regional conflict, and a funding gap. Additionally, healthcare workers at an Ebola treatment center in the northeast conducted a brief strike on Monday over unpaid wages before returning to work under a 72-hour ultimatum for payment.
While treatment capacity in Bunia has expanded to nearly 800 beds and laboratory capacity has increased from one to 14 facilities, officials state that the outbreak remains uncontained. Cases have also been confirmed in neighboring Uganda, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that an American humanitarian worker in the DRC tested positive for the virus on July 11. Clinical trials for potential treatments began last week.