- Sixteen health and care workers have tested positive for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. An American doctor was also infected and evacuated to Germany.
- Armed security incidents and community resistance in the DRC are blinding response teams. These challenges are disrupting contact tracing and fueling hidden transmission chains.
- The outbreak has successfully breached borders to infect people in Uganda’s capital city. The total confirmed case count has jumped to 134 across the region.
The Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is evolving rapidly. The World Health Organization released an official update on May 29, 2026.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the report highlights increasing case numbers, wider geographic spread, and ongoing cross-border transmission.
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In the DRC, a total of 906 suspected cases and 223 deaths among suspected cases have been reported. Across both countries, there are now 134 confirmed cases and 18 confirmed deaths.
This marks an additional 49 confirmed cases and 160 suspected cases since the previous update on May 21.
The outbreak remains heavily concentrated in the Ituri Province of the DRC. This single province accounts for 88% of all confirmed cases in the country. Transmission has also been confirmed in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
Local response efforts face massive challenges. These difficulties include poor contact tracing, insecurity, inadequate isolation centers, and local community resistance.
Recent security incidents against health facilities in Mongbwalu and Rwampara health zones have further disrupted outbreak control measures. Furthermore, 16 health and care workers have contracted the virus in the DRC.
Uganda has recorded nine confirmed cases and one death. These cases are located in Kampala and Wakiso. The infected individuals include a Ugandan driver, two local healthcare workers, and Congolese citizens who crossed the border.
Health teams have identified 436 contacts in Uganda for close follow-up. Additionally, an American medical doctor who treated patients in the DRC tested positive for the virus. The doctor was transported to Germany and is currently receiving specialized care.
Bundibugyo virus disease is a severe and often fatal form of Ebola. It spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
Early symptoms like fever, fatigue, and muscle pain are non-specific. This similarity to other illnesses makes early clinical diagnosis highly challenging without laboratory PCR confirmation.
No approved vaccines or specific treatments currently exist for this virus strain. Despite the high national risk, the WHO has advised against any international travel or trade restrictions.
