Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

On 20 August 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported a total of 5 290 confirmed cases, including 2 516 related deaths (from data up until 19 August). A total of 837 patients are hospitalised in isolation. This represents an increase of 81 new confirmed cases and 40 deaths since the previous report on 19 August (reporting data up until 18 August). The 81 new cases have been reported from Ituri (56 cases), North Kivu (18 cases), and Haut Uele (seven cases). Among the individuals that tested positive for Bundibugyo virus, 1 152 have recovered. In total, 82.9% of identified case contacts are under follow-up in the affected provinces.

Ituri province remains the most affected, with 4 447 cases, including 1 984 deaths, reported from 28 of 36 health zones. In North Kivu, 663 cases, including 452 deaths, have been reported from 12 of 34 health zones. In South Kivu, three cases, including one death, have been reported from one of 34 health zones. In Haut-Uele, 160 cases (including 71 deaths) have been reported from six of 13 health zones. In Tshopo, 15 cases (including seven deaths) have been reported from seven of 23 health zones. In Bas Uele, two cases (including one death) have been reported from two of 11 health zones. Overall, 56 of 151 health zones are currently affected across the six provinces. 

Data reported by DRC on confirmed cases and deaths are under continuous review and harmonisation.

In May 2026, there was an imported case in a US citizen who was medically evacuated to Germany for treatment, and on 24 June 2026 a further imported case was reported in France by the Ministry of Health. Both cases were imported from areas affected by the ongoing outbreak in DRC. On 10 July 2026, the US CDC reported that a US citizen working for a humanitarian organisation in DRC had tested positive for Bundibugyo virus. The patient was medically evacuated to Germany on 13 July 2026. 

Although there are still significant gaps in surveillance and epidemiology, the likelihood of infection for people living in the European Union/European Economic Area is considered to be very low. ECDC continues to monitor the situation closely and will update its assessment as new information becomes available.

A weekly update on this outbreak is available in the Communicable disease threats report.

The next epidemiological update will be published on 24 August 2026.

Areas affected by the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak