KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities, with 4,209 confirmed infections reported up to Aug. 7. This marks an increase of 29 deaths from the previous update, which documented 1,887 fatalities. Health officials also report that 595 patients are currently in isolation for treatment, while 828 individuals have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus outbreak.
The epicenter of the outbreak remains in Ituri, which has seen 3,636 confirmed cases and 1,551 deaths. North Kivu has registered 470 cases and 315 deaths. Haut Uele reported 91 cases and 44 deaths, Tshopo has nine cases with five fatalities, and South Kivu has documented three cases and one death. Overall, the outbreak has affected 53 out of 140 health zones across the five provinces impacted.
On the most recent day, 89 new confirmed cases and 21 deaths were added to the national totals. Ituri accounted for 73 of these new infections, North Kivu recorded 12, and Haut Uele had four. Officials indicated that 83.4% of identified contacts are being actively followed across the affected regions. Surveillance teams continue to review and standardize case and death data as records are updated.
Expansion of Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak in Eastern Regions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the outbreak in May following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. Symptoms of the virus include fever, weakness, body pain, vomiting, and other severe signs, with some patients experiencing bleeding. This epidemic marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus’s initial discovery in 1976.
The Ministry of Health in Congo has mobilized response efforts focusing on surveillance, testing, patient isolation, contact tracing, and clinical management. Infection control protocols and safe burial practices are being enforced to limit spread. Response activities target communities facing insecurity and high population mobility in parts of eastern Congo. Medical teams are actively monitoring contacts and investigating suspected cases across affected zones and major travel routes.
No Approved Vaccine Exists for Bundibugyo Virus
In contrast to the Zaire species of Ebola virus, Bundibugyo virus currently lacks an approved vaccine or targeted treatment. Care primarily involves supportive measures such as hydration, symptom relief, and close clinical supervision. Several research programs are underway to evaluate potential vaccines and investigational therapies. Surveillance outside Congo has also identified infections; Uganda had 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July, with no new cases reported after June 21.
These latest statistics make this the largest Bundibugyo virus outbreak documented to date, with ongoing transmission mainly concentrated in DR Congo, especially in Ituri and North Kivu. Despite expanded surveillance, isolation, and contact monitoring efforts, the rising numbers of cases and fatalities persist. Authorities continue to uphold laboratory testing, case detection, patient treatment, and infection control measures while updating the national count as new surveillance data emerges.