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

On 23 August 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported a total of 5 514 confirmed cases, including 2 642 related deaths (from data up until 22 August).  A total of 808 patients are hospitalised in isolation. This represents an increase of 55 new confirmed cases and 36 deaths since the previous report on 22 August (reporting data up until 21 August). The 55 new cases have been reported from Ituri (35 cases), North Kivu (16 cases), and Haut Uele (four cases). Among the individuals that tested positive for Bundibugyo virus, 1 200 have recovered. In total, 83.4% of identified case contacts are under follow-up in the affected provinces. Since the last ECDC report on 21 August (reporting data until 19 August) there has been an increase of 224 cases and 126 deaths. 

Ituri province remains the most affected, with 4 607 cases, including 2 065 deaths, reported from 28 of 36 health zones. In North Kivu, 714 cases, including 490 deaths, have been reported from 13 of 34 health zones. In South Kivu, three cases, including one death, have been reported from one of 34 health zones. In Haut-Uele, 173 cases (including 77 deaths) have been reported from six of 13 health zones. In Tshopo, 15 cases (including eight 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, 57 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. 

As of 28 July 2026, a total of 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths, have been reported by the Ministry of Health in Uganda. The last confirmed case was reported on 21 June and no new cases have been reported since then. On 16 July, Uganda discharged the last Ebola patient who had been receiving treatment at the Mulago National Referral Isolation Centre. On 28 July 2026, 12 days since the last case was discharged, the Uganda's Ministry of Health declared the end of the Ebola disease outbreak.

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.

Areas affected by the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak