Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak: DRC and Uganda Face Crisis ### Kampala, Uganda – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda are facing a critical health crisis as the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak continues to spread.
The outbreak, declared on May 15, 2026, by the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare in the DRC, has now resulted in 2124 confirmed cases in the DRC, including 828 deaths, and 19 confirmed cases in Uganda with two deaths.
The BVD outbreak is a species of Ebola virus, known for its severe illness in humans and high mortality rates.
This is the 17th Ebola disease outbreak in the DRC. There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific therapeutics against Bundibugyo virus, although early supportive care can be lifesaving.
The situation remains critical, with treatment facilities strained and significant health worker infections reported.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026.
The WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) are coordinating the response, including the deployment of rapid response teams, delivery of medical supplies, strengthened surveillance, and the set-up of safe treatment centers.
The outbreak has had a significant impact on the healthcare systems in both countries, with healthcare workers among the fatalities.
The geographic spread of the outbreak is concentrated in the eastern part of DRC, especially in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, with Haut — Uélé also at risk due to incomplete contact follow-up and assessment of readiness.
In Uganda, the outbreak remains epidemiologically linked to transmission originating from the DRC, with evidence of both imported infections and secondary transmission among contacts and healthcare workers.
The country has not reported any new cases since June 2026, but the situation remains fluid.
The African CDC’s situational report as of July 14, 2026, highlights the ongoing challenges: “The situation remains critical with strained treatment facilities, significant health worker infection, and sustained cross-border risks due to population mobility. “
A vaccine against Bundibugyo Ebola is in development, with the world’s first human clinical trial set to begin in the UK.
The Phase I clinical trial will assess the safety and immune response of the vaccine in 50 healthy adults aged between 18 and 55.
As the crisis unfolds, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with efforts to contain and eventually end the outbreak.
The ongoing response efforts reflect the collective commitment to addressing public health emergencies that transcend national borders.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
