The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that the Bundibugyo virus disease crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is now the most severe Ebola outbreak in the nation’s history. According to a report released Saturday, the virus has reached 49 health zones across five provinces.
Data through July 30, 2026, indicates 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of 44 percent. While the virus began in Ituri Province’s Mongbwalu Health Zone, it has since moved into North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Haut-Uélé. Health officials noted a sharp escalation during the 30th epidemiological week, which saw 567 new cases and 296 deaths.
The WHO identified significant obstacles to containment, including regional instability, frequent population movement, and displacement. Although response teams are active, the agency is calling for an immediate expansion of health interventions. Meanwhile, neighboring countries are bolstering their surveillance efforts. While Uganda successfully ended its own outbreak on July 28 following 42 days without new infections, the WHO remains cautious, noting that the continued spread in the DRC poses an ongoing threat to regional safety.
