DR Congo Ebola Risk Increases Due to Overcrowded Ituri Displacement Sites

OCHA Identifies Ebola Risk at Ituri Displacement Sites

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). As of July 15, 2026, a cumulative total of 2,124 confirmed cases, including 828 deaths, were reported from the DRC. Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on July 3, 2026, the number of confirmed cases and deaths has increased substantially. The total count of confirmed cases has reached 2,145, which includes two cases diagnosed in the DRC that received subsequent treatment in Germany. On July 13, 2026, German authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of a laboratory-confirmed case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in a humanitarian worker from the United States who was medically evacuated from the DRC. This incident marks the second United States citizen to be treated in Germany, reflecting ongoing international response efforts.

Abdirahman Mahamud Reports Faster Virus Spread in Bunia and Mongbwalu

The outbreak was officially declared on May 15, though experts believe the virus had been circulating for months prior to the declaration. Abdirahman Mahamud, a senior WHO official, noted during a press briefing in Geneva that the scale of the outbreak was partially due to early cases appearing in urban centers such as Bunia and the mining town of Mongbwalu. Many previous outbreaks were first identified in rural areas where they tended to peter out more quickly. During his briefing, Mahamud stated, What is important is we need to scale up and this outbreak is moving faster than us. He highlighted some positive developments, including an increase in the number of Ebola beds to over 500 in the fortnight preceding his briefing and evidence that community and violent resistance to Ebola responders was beginning to abate. More and more communities are aware of the risk of Ebola and are asking for tools to support and protect themselves, Mahamud said.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported at least 25 Ebola cases and 14 deaths confirmed within displacement camps. Furthermore, at least 30 people at the Kigonze displacement camp in Bunia have died from suspected Ebola since May. That camp has the capacity to hold up to 15,000 people, and officials have expressed concern that the virus could devastate the population, noting that the site was already struggling with overflowing toilets. Reports indicated that pregnant women and young children were among the dead at the site.

Uganda Begins 42-Day Surveillance Period Following Final Case Discharge

In neighboring Uganda, no new cases have been reported since June 21, 2026. The most recent case in that country was discharged from a treatment center on July 16 after returning two negative test results. Consequently, Uganda has begun the 42-day period of enhanced surveillance required before the end of the outbreak can be formally declared. National authorities in both Uganda and the DRC, in collaboration with the WHO and various partners, continue to implement extensive response measures, guided by a regional preparedness and prioritization framework.

The Bundibugyo strain of the virus presents unique challenges, as it has no licensed vaccines or therapeutics and has only caused three known outbreaks since its identification in 2007. Previous outbreaks of this strain in Uganda and the DRC in 2007 and 2012 recorded case fatality rates (CFR) of 30 percent and 50 percent, respectively. Regarding the current situation, the WHO stated that the reported CFR is likely an underestimation, as many deaths that occurred before the outbreak was officially declared remain under investigation. Contact tracing remains a vital tool for containment, though health workers in the DRC have faced difficulties in following up with case contacts.

UN Partners Install Handwashing Stations in Displaced Communities

The UN and its partners are supporting displaced communities through prevention and awareness activities, such as installing handwashing stations and conducting community outreach on Ebola prevention measures. OCHA continues to call for increased international support to sustain the Ebola response and provide life-saving assistance to displaced communities that have faced years of conflict, displacement, and deteriorating living conditions. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified health professionals or official health-agency guidance regarding the status of the outbreak and personal safety measures.

Sources: News, World Health Organization (WHO).