Bundibugyo Virus Disease Outbreak Spreads Across DRC and Uganda Kampala, Uganda — On May 5, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) was alerted to a high-mortality outbreak of an unknown illness in Mongbwalu Health Zone, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
As of July 1, 2026, the situation has escalated, with the DRC reporting 1,460 confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), including 452 deaths.
In neighboring Uganda, 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths, have been reported, with the outbreak linked to transmission originating in the DRC.
Unlike Ebola virus disease, there is no licensed vaccine or specific therapeutics for BVD, although early supportive care can be lifesaving.
The Institut national de recherche biomédicale (INRB) Kinshasa confirmed BVD in eight of 13 blood samples analyzed on May 15, 2026.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the WHO are collaborating with national authorities in the DRC and Uganda to respond to the outbreak.
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has highlighted concerns regarding the capacity of health systems to detect and respond to BVD outbreaks. This outbreak has raised significant alarm due to the rapid spread and high case fatality rate.
The situation in the DRC remains critical, with Ituri Province being the epicenter of the outbreak.
The high number of confirmed cases and deaths in the DRC indicate a significant public health challenge that requires immediate and coordinated international response.
The ongoing collaboration between the Africa CDC, the WHO, and national authorities in the DRC and Uganda is crucial for the containment and control of the outbreak.
The international community must continue to support these efforts to ensure the rapid detection and response to the BVD outbreak.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential for health authorities to implement robust surveillance and response measures to prevent further spread of the virus. This includes enhancing communication and coordination between countries in the region and providing adequate resources for health workers on the ground.
The BVD outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of health systems in the region and the need for continued investment in public health infrastructure.
The global community must remain vigilant and ready to respond to such emergencies to protect the health and safety of populations in the DRC and beyond.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
