Ebola Virus Disease (DRC & Uganda)

 

Ebola Virus Disease (DRC & Uganda)

Ebola Virus Disease (DRC & Uganda) – Situation Overview (June 2026)

An outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus is ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Both countries officially declared the outbreak on 15 May 2026, and the World Health Organization declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026. 

Key Facts

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus, a relatively rare type of Ebola.

Unlike the more common Zaire Ebola strain, there is no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola, although experimental vaccines and therapeutics are being evaluated. 

The outbreak is centered in Ituri Province in eastern DRC, with cross-border spread into Uganda. 

Current Epidemiological Situation

According to WHO and recent reports:

Country Confirmed Cases Deaths Notes

DRC ~321 confirmed cases 48 confirmed deaths 116 suspected cases under investigation after many earlier reports were ruled out. 

Uganda 15 confirmed cases 1 death Most cases identified among known contacts of earlier patients. 

Recent WHO assessments indicate that many previously reported suspected cases were found not to be Ebola after laboratory investigation, reducing the suspected-case count substantially. 

Why This Outbreak Is Concerning

Several factors make control difficult:

• Delayed detection may have allowed transmission for weeks before confirmation. 
• Ongoing insecurity and population displacement in eastern DRC hinder contact tracing and surveillance. 
• High cross-border movement between DRC and Uganda increases regional spread risk. 
• Community mistrust and misinformation have complicated response efforts. 

Symptoms of Ebola Disease

Symptoms typically begin 2–21 days after exposure and may include:

• Severe headache
• Muscle pain
• Fever
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising

The virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected people or contaminated materials. It is not spread through casual airborne transmission. Early supportive medical care improves survival. 

Response Measures

• WHO, national health authorities, and partners are:
• Strengthening surveillance and laboratory testing
• Conducting contact tracing
• Operating Ebola treatment centers
• Enhancing infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities
• Supporting cross-border coordination between DRC and Uganda
• Evaluating candidate vaccines and treatments for Bundibyo virus disease