KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities and 4,209 confirmed infections, according to official data available through Aug. 7. This figure increases the previous death toll by 29, surpassing the 1,887 reported earlier. Health officials also noted that 595 patients are currently receiving treatment in isolation. Additionally, 828 individuals have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
Ituri continues to be the epicenter of the epidemic, with 3,636 confirmed cases and 1,551 deaths. In North Kivu, authorities have documented 470 cases and 315 fatalities. Haut Uele has reported 91 cases and 44 deaths, while Tshopo has nine cases and five deaths. South Kivu’s figures include three cases and one death. Overall, the outbreak has affected 53 of the 140 health zones spread across the five impacted provinces.
The most recent daily report indicates an increase of 89 confirmed cases and 21 deaths nationwide. Of these new infections, 73 occurred in Ituri. North Kivu contributed 12 cases, and Haut Uele recorded four. Officials stated that 83.4% of identified contacts are being monitored across the affected regions. Health teams continue to analyze and standardize data on cases and fatalities as surveillance updates are received.
Outbreak of Bundibugyo Virus Spreads to Eastern Provinces
The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the outbreak in May after laboratory tests identified the Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. The virus can cause symptoms such as fever, weakness, body pain, vomiting, and other severe issues. Some patients also experience bleeding. This epidemic marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.
The Congolese Ministry of Health has initiated response efforts focused on surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and clinical management. Infection control protocols and safe burial practices are being employed to limit the spread. The response operations extend into communities facing instability and high mobility in eastern Congo. Health workers are actively tracking contacts and investigating suspected cases across affected zones and major transportation routes.
No Approved Vaccine Exists for Bundibugyo Virus
In contrast to the Zaire strain of Ebola, Bundibugyo virus currently lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment. Medical interventions primarily involve supportive care such as hydration, symptom relief, and close clinical observation. Research initiatives are ongoing to evaluate potential vaccines and experimental therapies. Surveillance outside Congo has also identified infections, with Uganda reporting 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by late July. No new confirmed cases have been reported there since June 21.
The current outbreak, the largest caused by Bundibugyo virus to date, is being tracked mainly within DR Congo, especially in Ituri and North Kivu. Despite expanded efforts in surveillance, isolation, and contact monitoring, the case and death counts continue to grow. Authorities remain committed to laboratory testing, case detection, patient management, and infection prevention as they update the national statistics with new surveillance data.