# DRC Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak - Canonical dossier: [Web edition]() - Markdown edition: [Plain-text edition]() - Issue: Issue 005 - Rubric: Outbreak / Access Constraints - Byline: Totally Fine Foundation editorial desk - Reading time: 9 min - Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 > As of 10 August 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases and 2,061 deaths, according to the WHO estimate cited by IOM. The outbreak is the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC and is expanding faster than previous ones. It is unfolding in eastern DRC amid armed conflict, large-scale displacement and acute humanitarian needs that constrain access and complicate response. Most deaths are occurring outside treatment centres, and there is no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. Cross-border movements and regional preparedness are also affected. ## Cover - Kicker: Field dossier / Sub-Saharan Africa / disease outbreak - Cover lines: 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths as of 10 August 2026, per the WHO estimate cited by IOM / The largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC, expanding faster than previous ones — WHO / By 12 August 2026, 54 health zones across six provinces, per WHO / No licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment, per WHO and The Lancet / Most deaths are occurring outside treatment centres, per IOM and UN News / Armed conflict, large-scale displacement and acute humanitarian needs constrain access and complicate response #### Hero visual provenance - Caption: Archive image from MONUSCO, 29 March 2019, showing conditions in eastern DRC; used here to illustrate the region where the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is unfolding. - Alt text: MONUSCO photo dated 29 March 2019 - Credit: MONUSCO - Rights / license: CC BY-SA 2.0 - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ## Metrics ### 4,449 — Confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases - Category: cases - Caveat: WHO estimate cited by IOM, 10 August 2026; does not cover probable or suspected cases or later updates. **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ### 2,061 — Deaths - Category: deaths - Caveat: WHO estimate cited by IOM, 10 August 2026; does not cover probable or suspected deaths or later updates. **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ### 54 across six provinces — Affected health zones - Category: geographic spread - Caveat: WHO reported by 12 August 2026; does not cover subsequent expansion or population at risk. **Source trail:** [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`) ### 16,557,079 — Health screenings supported by IOM - Category: response activity - Caveat: IOM Situation Report No. 13, 3–9 August 2026; activity for that reporting week only, not cumulative or all actors. **Source trail:** [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ### 225 — Points of entry or control supported by IOM - Category: response activity - Caveat: IOM Situation Report No. 13, 3–9 August 2026; activity for that reporting week only, not cumulative or all actors. **Source trail:** [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ### 13,111,025 — People reached through risk communication and community engagement - Category: response activity - Caveat: IOM Situation Report No. 13, 3–9 August 2026; activity for that reporting week only, not cumulative or all actors. **Source trail:** [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ## The Bundibugyo Count: An Outbreak Under Access Constraints ### Scale of the Bundibugyo outbreak As of 10 August 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases and 2,061 deaths, according to the WHO estimate cited by IOM. The 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC and is expanding faster than previous Ebola outbreaks there. By 12 August 2026, WHO reported that the outbreak had expanded to 54 health zones across six DRC provinces. The outbreak had reached Bas-Uélé, making six DRC provinces affected by mid-August 2026. As of 20 August 2026, 10 cases of Bundibugyo virus disease had been reported in Kisangani, according to a World Health Organization report reproduced by ReliefWeb. **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`); [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`) ### Outbreak amid armed conflict, displacement and humanitarian need The outbreak is unfolding in eastern DRC amid armed conflict, large-scale displacement and acute humanitarian needs. These conditions constrain humanitarian access and complicate the response. According to Mercy Corps' incident analysis covering 2–31 July 2026, 97 Ebola-related incidents were recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, up from 68 during the preceding 47-day period. The same analysis characterizes the change as both an acceleration and a transformation in the nature of risks surrounding the response. Mercy Corps' analysis indicates a sharp increase in incident frequency and a widening geographical spread during the period. According to the same analysis, Ituri remained the most affected province, while North Kivu accounted for a substantially larger share of incidents and Tshopo and Haut-Uélé newly appeared in monitoring. Mercy Corps also reports that average incident severity declined in terms of casualties during the period, and that the operational environment was shaped by three distinct but sometimes interlocking risk systems, including community friction around safe and dignified burials, prevention activities and health facilities. According to a joint statement by the Red Cross Societies of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, IFRC, and ICRC, as of 24 August 2026, 12 Red Cross volunteers had been injured in 11 violent incidents linked to the Ebola response. The statement reported that ambulances were damaged, including one that was set on fire, and emergency-response equipment was destroyed. On 19 August 2026, three volunteers involved in the Ebola response were reportedly attacked and injured in Beni, North Kivu Province, with response equipment destroyed, according to the statement. On 18 August 2026, two volunteers were reportedly injured while attempting to conduct a safe and dignified humanitarian activity, according to the statement. The statement said the reported attacks occurred 100 days after the official declaration of the outbreak. **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`); [unocha.org — OCHA DRC Ebola Situation Overview, Week 32 (14 August 2026)]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-unocha-org`) ### Community deaths and surveillance gaps Most Ebola deaths in affected DRC communities are occurring outside treatment centres. This highlights the need for stronger community surveillance, contact tracing and earlier referral. The cited account reports that the outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026, and that by 20 August 2026 reported cases had risen to more than 4,500 and the death toll had exceeded 2,100. The cited account describes the outbreak as the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak in history. The cited account reports that misinformation and distrust about Ebola have contributed to attacks on ambulances and health teams. The cited account describes faith actors as trusted in local communities and says they can help counter misconceptions, misinformation and promote public-health messages during crises. The cited account presents working with local faith leaders as important to counter misinformation and distrust. **Source trail:** [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`); [news.un.org — UN News: Most Ebola deaths in DRC occur outside treatment centres]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-news-un-org`) ### Cross-border movement and regional preparedness The outbreak is affecting cross-border movements and regional preparedness, including the movement of health and humanitarian workers, cargo and commercial travellers. For Situation Report No. 13 covering 3–9 August 2026, IOM reported supporting 16,557,079 health screenings, 225 points of entry or control, and reaching 13,111,025 people through risk communication and community engagement activities. On 20 August 2026, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reportedly launched the national 'Congo River Without Ebola' initiative, an emergency response operating between Kisangani and Kinshasa to prevent transmission of Bundibugyo virus disease along the Congo River. The initiative is reportedly implemented with support from an interagency Ebola preparedness and response mechanism involving WHO, IOM, UNICEF and WFP. On 20 August 2026, the United Nations reportedly provided 9 million US dollars in catalytic funding through OCHA Funds for the initiative, according to OCHA/UN. The initiative is intended to protect the Congo River, described in the source as the country's main waterway, connecting millions of people and supporting a large share of national commercial exchanges. **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`); [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`) ### The vaccine and treatment gap The Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. **Source trail:** [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`) ### Vaccine response According to WHO, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo requested the release of Ervebo vaccines from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, managed by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision, for the current Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak. WHO reported on 21 August 2026 that the ICG informed the DRC government on Monday of an immediate initial release of 70,000 Ervebo doses. WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the allocation, according to the WHO report. According to WHO's 21 August 2026 report, the allocation comprised 20,000 doses for a Phase 3 clinical trial on Ervebo's impact against Bundibugyo virus and 50,000 doses for frontline and health workers, in line with current WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization recommendations. Ervebo is licensed and recommended for use in outbreaks of Ebola virus disease caused by the virus previously called Zaire ebolavirus, according to WHO. According to the cited WHO material, it was not known whether Ervebo protects humans against Bundibugyo virus; early laboratory and animal data suggested it might provide some protection. The Phase 3 clinical trial was expected to provide important new evidence about Ervebo's effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus, according to WHO. **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`) ## Actors and positions ### World Health Organization (WHO) - Role: Global health agency - Confidence: high - Position: Reports epidemiological data and assesses outbreak scale and spread - Supporter framing: Authoritative source of case counts and outbreak characterization - Opposing account: No opposing account documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: WHO statements are corroborated by IOM and other humanitarian sources for key outbreak facts **Source trail:** [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ### International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Role: Humanitarian agency - Confidence: medium - Position: Supports health screenings, points of entry/control, and risk communication - Supporter framing: Reports its own operational response activities and funding requirements - Opposing account: No opposing account documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: IOM activity figures are self-reported and not independently verified in the provided claims **Source trail:** [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`); [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`) ### DRC health authorities - Role: National health authorities - Confidence: medium - Position: Report confirmed case and death counts - Supporter framing: National authorities provide official epidemiological data - Opposing account: No opposing account documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: WHO cites DRC-reported figures; no independent verification in provided claims **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ### Affected communities and displaced populations - Role: Populations at risk - Confidence: medium - Position: Experience outbreak amid conflict, displacement, and humanitarian needs - Supporter framing: Communities require stronger surveillance, contact tracing, and earlier referral - Opposing account: No opposing account documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: Most deaths outside treatment centres indicate access and community engagement challenges **Source trail:** [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`); [news.un.org — UN News: Most Ebola deaths in DRC occur outside treatment centres]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-news-un-org`) ### Regional governments (Uganda, South Sudan) - Role: Cross-border preparedness actors - Confidence: medium - Position: Affected by cross-border movements and regional preparedness - Supporter framing: Regional coordination is needed to manage cross-border spread - Opposing account: No opposing account documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: Cross-border movement of health and humanitarian workers, cargo, and commercial travellers is documented **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`); [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`) ## Claims and evidence ### As of 10 August 2026, the DRC reported 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases, including 2,061 deaths, according to the WHO estimate cited by IOM. - Claimant: WHO estimate cited by IOM - Evidence status: likely - Counterclaim: No counterclaim documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: IOM situation report relays WHO estimate; not independently verified in provided claims **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ### The 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC and is expanding faster than previous Ebola outbreaks there. - Claimant: WHO - Evidence status: confirmed - Counterclaim: No counterclaim documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: WHO and IOM both state this **Source trail:** [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ### By 12 August 2026, the outbreak had expanded to 54 health zones across six DRC provinces. - Claimant: WHO - Evidence status: likely - Counterclaim: No counterclaim documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: WHO reported; not independently verified in provided claims **Source trail:** [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`) ### The outbreak is unfolding in eastern DRC amid armed conflict, large-scale displacement and acute humanitarian needs that constrain humanitarian access and complicate the response. - Claimant: ReliefWeb, IOM, OCHA - Evidence status: confirmed - Counterclaim: No counterclaim documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: Multiple humanitarian sources confirm **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`); [unocha.org — OCHA DRC Ebola Situation Overview, Week 32 (14 August 2026)]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-unocha-org`) ### Most Ebola deaths in affected DRC communities are occurring outside treatment centres, highlighting the need for stronger community surveillance, contact tracing and earlier referral. - Claimant: IOM, UN News - Evidence status: confirmed - Counterclaim: No counterclaim documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: Multiple sources confirm **Source trail:** [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`); [news.un.org — UN News: Most Ebola deaths in DRC occur outside treatment centres]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-news-un-org`) ### The Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. - Claimant: WHO - Evidence status: confirmed - Counterclaim: No counterclaim documented in the provided claims - Independent assessment: WHO states this; no counterclaim in provided claims **Source trail:** [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`) ## Language record ### International Organization for Migration - Role: Situation Report #13 - Context: Title of IOM situation report covering 3–9 August 2026 Quotation text is available in the web edition and the cited original source; it is not republished in this machine-readable edition. **Source:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`) ### ONU Info - Role: news headline - Context: Headline of UN News article on deaths outside treatment centres Quotation text is available in the web edition and the cited original source; it is not republished in this machine-readable edition. **Source:** [news.un.org — UN News: Most Ebola deaths in DRC occur outside treatment centres]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-news-un-org`) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-09 — IOM reports large-scale screening and risk communication activities - Event type: humanitarian\_access - Confidence: medium For Situation Report No. 13 covering 3–9 August 2026, IOM reported supporting 16,557,079 health screenings, 225 points of entry or control, and reaching 13,111,025 people through risk communication and community engagement activities. **Source trail:** [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ### 2026-08-10 — DRC reports 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths - Event type: casualty\_update - Confidence: medium As of 10 August 2026, the DRC reported 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases, including 2,061 deaths, according to the WHO estimate cited by IOM. **Source trail:** [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int`); [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int`) ### 2026-08-12 — Outbreak expands to 54 health zones across six provinces - Event type: outbreak\_update - Confidence: medium By 12 August 2026, WHO reported that the outbreak had expanded to 54 health zones across six DRC provinces. **Source trail:** [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`) ### 2026-08-15 — Outbreak reaches Bas-Uélé, six provinces affected - Event type: outbreak\_update - Confidence: high By mid-August 2026, the outbreak had reached Bas-Uélé, making six DRC provinces affected, according to WHO. **Source trail:** [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC]() (`src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int`) ### 2026-05-17 — ReliefWeb-cited account reports PHEIC declaration for eastern DRC Ebola outbreak - Event type: international\_response - Confidence: low The cited account reports that the eastern DRC Ebola outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026. **Source trail:** [ReliefWeb (OCHA) — ReliefWeb reports ingested by editorial pipeline (2026-08)]() (`src-drc-bundibug-editorial-2026-08`) ### 2026-08-20 — By 20 August 2026, ReliefWeb-cited account reports more than 4,500 cases and more than 2,100 deaths - Event type: outbreak\_update - Confidence: low By 20 August 2026, according to ReliefWeb's cited account, reported cases had risen to more than 4,500 and the death toll had exceeded 2,100. **Source trail:** [ReliefWeb (OCHA) — ReliefWeb reports ingested by editorial pipeline (2026-08)]() (`src-drc-bundibug-editorial-2026-08`) ### 2026-08-20 — DRC reportedly launches 'Congo River Without Ebola' initiative - Event type: international\_response - Confidence: medium The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reportedly launched a national emergency response between Kisangani and Kinshasa to prevent transmission of Bundibugyo virus disease along the Congo River. **Source trail:** [ReliefWeb (OCHA) — ReliefWeb reports ingested by editorial pipeline (2026-08)]() (`src-drc-bundibug-editorial-2026-08`) ### 2026-08-20 — 10 Bundibugyo cases reported in Kisangani - Event type: outbreak\_update - Confidence: medium As of 20 August 2026, 10 cases of Bundibugyo virus disease had been reported in Kisangani, according to a WHO report reproduced by ReliefWeb. **Source trail:** [ReliefWeb (OCHA) — ReliefWeb reports ingested by editorial pipeline (2026-08)]() (`src-drc-bundibug-editorial-2026-08`) ### 2026-08-20 — UN reportedly provides $9 million catalytic funding - Event type: international\_response - Confidence: medium On 20 August 2026, the United Nations reportedly provided 9 million US dollars in catalytic funding through OCHA Funds for the initiative, according to OCHA/UN. **Source trail:** [ReliefWeb (OCHA) — ReliefWeb reports ingested by editorial pipeline (2026-08)]() (`src-drc-bundibug-editorial-2026-08`) ### 2026-08-21 — WHO, 21 August 2026: ICG informed DRC government on Monday of immediate initial release of 70,000 Ervebo doses - Event type: international\_response - Confidence: medium WHO reported on 21 August 2026 that the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision informed the DRC government on Monday of an immediate initial release of 70,000 Ervebo doses for the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak, including 20,000 for a Phase 3 clinical trial and 50,000 for frontline and health workers. **Source trail:** [ReliefWeb (OCHA) — ReliefWeb reports ingested by editorial pipeline (2026-08)]() (`src-drc-bundibug-editorial-2026-08`) ### 2026-07-31 — Mercy Corps July 2026 incident analysis period ends - Event type: early\_signal - Confidence: medium According to Mercy Corps' partially confirmed July 2026 incident analysis, 97 Ebola-related incidents were recorded across the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 2 and 31 July 2026, up from 68 during the preceding 47-day period; the analysis indicates Ituri remained the most affected province, North Kivu accounted for a substantially larger share, and Tshopo and Haut-Uélé newly appeared in monitoring. **Source trail:** [ReliefWeb (OCHA) — ReliefWeb reports ingested by editorial pipeline (2026-08)]() (`src-drc-bundibug-editorial-2026-08`) ### 2026-08-18 — Red Cross volunteers injured during humanitarian activity in DRC - Event type: humanitarian\_access - Confidence: medium According to a joint statement by the Red Cross Societies of the DRC and Uganda, IFRC, and ICRC, two volunteers were reportedly injured on 18 August 2026 while attempting to conduct a safe and dignified humanitarian activity. **Source trail:** [ReliefWeb (OCHA) — ReliefWeb reports ingested by editorial pipeline (2026-08)]() (`src-drc-bundibug-editorial-2026-08`) ### 2026-08-19 — Red Cross volunteers attacked in Beni, North Kivu - Event type: humanitarian\_access - Confidence: medium According to a joint statement by the Red Cross Societies of the DRC and Uganda, IFRC, and ICRC, three volunteers involved in the Ebola response were reportedly violently attacked and injured in Beni, North Kivu Province on 19 August 2026, and response equipment was destroyed. **Source trail:** [ReliefWeb (OCHA) — ReliefWeb reports ingested by editorial pipeline (2026-08)]() (`src-drc-bundibug-editorial-2026-08`) ### 2026-08-24 — Red Cross organizations express concern about attacks on Ebola-response personnel - Event type: international\_response - Confidence: medium A joint statement by the Red Cross Societies of the DRC and Uganda, IFRC, and ICRC reported that, as of 24 August 2026, 12 Red Cross volunteers had been injured in 11 violent incidents linked to the Ebola response, with ambulances damaged, including one set on fire, and emergency-response equipment destroyed. The statement said the reported attacks occurred 100 days after the official declaration of the outbreak. **Source trail:** [ReliefWeb (OCHA) — ReliefWeb reports ingested by editorial pipeline (2026-08)]() (`src-drc-bundibug-editorial-2026-08`) ## Visual essay ### Gallery image 01 #### Visual provenance - Caption: A displaced persons camp at ULPGL, as documented in a CC0 image by Sunway godianne. The dossier notes large-scale displacement in eastern DRC is complicating the Ebola response. - Alt text: Displaced persons camp at ULPGL - Credit: Sunway godianne - Rights / license: CC0 - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### Gallery image 02 #### Visual provenance - Caption: CDC Global Health photo showing Ebola response work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The 2026 Bundibugyo outbreak is the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC. - Alt text: Ebola response activities in DRC - Credit: CDC Global Health - Rights / license: CC BY 2.0 - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ## Linked visual references ### Most Ebola deaths in DRC occur outside treatment centres - Photographer: Not credited - Publisher: UN News - Recognition: Core situation-report series for this crisis - Why it matters: Highlights the surveillance gap that most deaths occur outside treatment centres, a key challenge in the dossier. - Original: [Open reference]() ### Community mistrust and the Ebola response in DRC - Photographer: Not credited - Publisher: RFI - Recognition: Field reporting on community mistrust during the outbreak - Why it matters: Explains community mistrust as a factor complicating the response, relevant to risk communication and engagement. - Original: [Open reference]() ## Media desk ### Nurses in Ebola isolation ward, Kikwit 1995 - Publisher: CDC - Media type: photo - Rights mode: direct\_image - Placement: The vaccine and treatment gap - Caption: Public domain CDC photo by Ethleen Lloyd showing nurses in an Ebola isolation ward in Kikwit in 1995. - Why it matters: Historical context for Ebola care in DRC, where the current outbreak has no licensed vaccine or approved treatment. The 2026 Bundibugyo outbreak has no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. Most deaths are occurring outside treatment centres. This 1995 image from Kikwit shows the long-standing challenges of Ebola isolation care in DRC. - Original: [Open media record]() #### Visual provenance - Caption: Public domain CDC photo by Ethleen Lloyd showing nurses in an Ebola isolation ward in Kikwit in 1995. - Alt text: Public domain CDC photo by Ethleen Lloyd showing nurses in an Ebola isolation ward in Kikwit in 1995. - Credit: Ethleen Lloyd (CDC) - Rights / license: Public domain - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### Displaced people set camp in Goma outskirts - Publisher: MONUSCO Photos - Media type: photo - Rights mode: direct\_image - Placement: Outbreak amid armed conflict, displacement and humanitarian need - Caption: MONUSCO photo of displaced people setting camp on the outskirts of Goma. - Why it matters: Illustrates displacement near Goma, a context relevant to the outbreak's spread and response constraints. Eastern DRC is experiencing large-scale displacement that complicates the Ebola response. Displaced populations may face heightened vulnerability to infection. The dossier reports 54 affected health zones across six provinces, underscoring the geographic spread. - Original: [Open media record]() #### Visual provenance - Caption: MONUSCO photo of displaced people setting camp on the outskirts of Goma. - Alt text: MONUSCO photo of displaced people setting camp on the outskirts of Goma. - Credit: MONUSCO Photos - Rights / license: CC BY-SA 2.0 - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026 - Publisher: reliefweb.int - Media type: report\_pdf - Rights mode: linked\_reference\_only - Placement: Cross-border movement and regional preparedness - Caption: IOM situation report covering multi-country Bundibugyo Ebola response for 3–9 August 2026. - Why it matters: Provides key operational data on screenings, points of entry, and risk communication across the response. The IOM report documents 16,557,079 health screenings supported by IOM and 225 points of entry or control supported. It also reports 13,111,025 people reached through risk communication and community engagement. These figures reflect the cross-border and community-level response efforts amid the outbreak. - Original: [Open media record]() #### Visual provenance - Caption: IOM situation report covering multi-country Bundibugyo Ebola response for 3–9 August 2026. - Alt text: IOM situation report covering multi-country Bundibugyo Ebola response for 3–9 August 2026. - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC - Publisher: who.int - Media type: report\_pdf - Rights mode: linked\_reference\_only - Placement: Scale of the Bundibugyo outbreak - Caption: WHO Disease Outbreak News on the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC. - Why it matters: Authoritative source for the outbreak's scale, including confirmed cases and deaths. The WHO estimate cited by IOM puts the outbreak at 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases and 2,061 deaths as of 10 August 2026. The outbreak is the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC and is expanding faster than previous ones. This source underpins the dossier's core metrics. - Original: [Open media record]() #### Visual provenance - Caption: WHO Disease Outbreak News on the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC. - Alt text: WHO Disease Outbreak News on the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC. - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ## Source readings ### IOM reports 16,557,079 health screenings in one-week Ebola response window - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int` - Publisher: reliefweb.int - Source type: humanitarian - Published: 2026-08-14 - Registry title: IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026 - Editorial note: Read as an operational activity report for the 3–9 August 2026 interval; keep its activity totals separate from epidemiological case counts. - Original: [Open source]() IOM's Situation Report No. 13, republished by ReliefWeb, covers 3–9 August 2026 and records large-scale screening, point-of-entry and risk-communication activity. This ReliefWeb entry carries IOM's Situation Report No. 13 for 3–9 August 2026. IOM reported supporting 16,557,079 health screenings, 225 points of entry or control, and reaching 13,111,025 people through risk communication and community engagement activities. The report also carries the WHO estimate cited by IOM: as of 10 August 2026, DRC reported 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases, including 2,061 deaths. It frames the outbreak in eastern DRC amid armed conflict, large-scale displacement and acute humanitarian needs that constrain access and complicate response. It also notes most Ebola deaths in affected communities are occurring outside treatment centres, and that the outbreak is affecting cross-border movements and regional preparedness, including movement of health and humanitarian workers, cargo and commercial travellers. #### Takeaways - Operational totals are for the 3–9 August 2026 reporting period, not a publication-date snapshot. - Case and death figures are a WHO estimate cited by IOM, dated 10 August 2026. - Access constraints and deaths outside treatment centres are central response challenges. - Cross-border movement and regional preparedness are affected. #### Visual provenance - Caption: IOM reports 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths as of 10 August 2026 - Alt text: IOM reports 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths as of 10 August 2026 - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### WHO: largest DRC Ebola outbreak, now across six provinces - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int` - Publisher: who.int - Source type: official\_position - Registry title: WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC - Editorial note: Read as WHO's official epidemiological and countermeasures position; it is not an operational response report. - Original: [Open source]() WHO's Disease Outbreak News frames the Bundibugyo virus outbreak as the largest ever reported in DRC and expanding faster than previous Ebola outbreaks there. WHO reported that by 12 August 2026 the outbreak had expanded to 54 health zones across six DRC provinces. The outbreak reached Bas-Uélé, making six DRC provinces affected by mid-August 2026. WHO states the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in DRC and is expanding faster than previous Ebola outbreaks there. WHO also notes the Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. #### Takeaways - WHO's official assessment places the outbreak at 54 health zones across six provinces by 12 August 2026. - Bas-Uélé is the sixth affected province, reached by mid-August 2026. - The outbreak is the largest and fastest-expanding Ebola outbreak recorded in DRC. - No licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus. #### Visual provenance - Caption: WHO confirms largest Ebola outbreak ever in DRC, expanding faster than previous ones - Alt text: WHO confirms largest Ebola outbreak ever in DRC, expanding faster than previous ones - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### DRC national sitrep, 3 August: 51 health zones, five provinces - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-insp-cd` - Publisher: insp.cd - Source type: primary\_document - Registry title: DRC COUSP Situation Report No. 081: 51 health zones, five provinces (3 August 2026) - Editorial note: Read as a point-in-time national incident-management document; its 51 zones and five provinces predate later WHO figures. - Original: [Open source]() A DRC public health emergency operations centre situation report dated 3 August 2026 records 51 affected health zones and five affected provinces. The document, SitRep N°081/MVE B\_03/08/2026, is issued by the Centre d'Opérations d'Urgence de Santé Publique (COUSP RDC) for the 17th Ebola virus disease epidemic in DRC. It lists 51 affected health zones and five affected provinces: Haut-Uélé, Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu and Tshopo. Haut-Uélé is shown with 5 of 13 health zones affected. This is earlier than WHO's later report that by 12 August 2026 the outbreak had expanded to 54 health zones across six DRC provinces, with Bas-Uélé reached by mid-August 2026. #### Takeaways - The 3 August 2026 national sitrep records 51 health zones and five provinces. - Haut-Uélé, Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu and Tshopo are the affected provinces at that date. - Later WHO reporting shows expansion to 54 health zones and six provinces, including Bas-Uélé. - Use this document to track the outbreak's geographic expansion over time. #### Visual provenance - Caption: DRC COUSP situation report tracks health zones affected by Bundibugyo Ebola - Alt text: DRC COUSP situation report tracks health zones affected by Bundibugyo Ebola - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### Most Ebola deaths in DRC are happening outside treatment centres - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-news-un-org` - Publisher: news.un.org - Source type: news - Registry title: UN News: Most Ebola deaths in DRC occur outside treatment centres - Editorial note: Read as a focused news report on community-level mortality and referral gaps; it is not a source for aggregate case counts. - Original: [Open source]() UN News reports that most Ebola deaths in affected DRC communities are occurring outside treatment centres, underscoring gaps in surveillance and referral. This UN News report states that most Ebola deaths in affected DRC communities are occurring outside treatment centres. It highlights the need for stronger community surveillance, contact tracing and earlier referral. The accompanying image caption refers to health workers at an Ebola treatment centre in Bunia, Ituri, and describes Bunia as the epicentre of the epidemic. #### Takeaways - Most Ebola deaths in affected communities are occurring outside treatment centres. - Stronger community surveillance, contact tracing and earlier referral are needed. - Bunia, Ituri, is identified as the epidemic's epicentre in the report's image caption. - This report does not provide aggregate case or death totals. #### Visual provenance - Caption: Most Ebola deaths in DRC occur outside treatment centres - Alt text: Most Ebola deaths in DRC occur outside treatment centres - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### Rights experts urge Ebola response to account for Indigenous Peoples' particular vulnerability - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-ohchr-org` - Publisher: ohchr.org - Source type: human\_rights - Registry title: UN experts call for attention to Indigenous Peoples' vulnerability in DRC Ebola epidemic - Editorial note: Read as a human-rights call, not an epidemiological update. The available excerpt is limited to the page title; do not attribute case counts, health-zone figures, or response metrics to OHCHR. - Original: [Open source]() An OHCHR special-procedures communiqué frames the DRC Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak as a rights concern, not a source of case data. The source's title indicates that independent UN experts called for the particular vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples to be taken into account in the Ebola epidemic. The page itself does not provide epidemiological totals. This rights framing sits within a confirmed outbreak context: the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is the largest ever reported in the DRC and is expanding faster than previous Ebola outbreaks there. It is unfolding in eastern DRC amid armed conflict, large-scale displacement and acute humanitarian needs that constrain humanitarian access and complicate the response. As of 10 August 2026, the WHO estimate cited by IOM put confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases at 4,449, including 2,061 deaths. Most Ebola deaths in affected DRC communities are occurring outside treatment centres, and the Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. #### Takeaways - OHCHR's page is a rights-focused call, not a substitute for WHO/IOM epidemiological reporting. - The outbreak's scale and eastern DRC operational constraints are confirmed context for the rights concerns raised. - Case and death figures should be cited as the 10 August 2026 WHO estimate via IOM, not as OHCHR data. #### Visual provenance - Caption: UN experts warn Indigenous Peoples are gravely vulnerable in DRC Ebola epidemic - Alt text: UN experts warn Indigenous Peoples are gravely vulnerable in DRC Ebola epidemic - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### RFI examines what communities say behind Ebola response defiance - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-rfi-fr` - Publisher: rfi.fr - Source type: news - Registry title: Community mistrust and the Ebola response in DRC - Editorial note: Read for community perspectives on the health response. Reported community statements are not verified epidemiological facts; keep them separate from WHO/IOM case and health-zone figures. - Original: [Open source]() A field report on community mistrust in DRC's Ebola response, set against confirmed gaps in early referral and treatment-centre access. This RFI report, per its title, examines defiance toward the Ebola response and what communities say about the health response in the DRC. The available excerpt does not provide its own case totals. The report's focus is consistent with the confirmed observation that most Ebola deaths in affected DRC communities are occurring outside treatment centres, highlighting the need for stronger community surveillance, contact tracing and earlier referral. Broader outbreak context: as of 10 August 2026, the WHO estimate cited by IOM was 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases and 2,061 deaths. By 12 August 2026, WHO reported expansion to 54 health zones across six DRC provinces. The outbreak is the largest ever reported in the DRC and is expanding faster than previous Ebola outbreaks there. #### Takeaways - Treat community statements reported by RFI as perspectives, not confirmed outbreak data. - The confirmed pattern of deaths outside treatment centres gives context to community mistrust. - Use WHO/IOM figures for case counts and health-zone spread, with dates and attribution. #### Visual provenance - Caption: Community mistrust shapes the Ebola response in DRC - Alt text: Community mistrust shapes the Ebola response in DRC - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### In Ituri, Ebola is reported to be progressing in displacement centres - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-rfi-fr-2` - Publisher: rfi.fr - Source type: news - Registry title: Ebola progression in Ituri displacement centres - Editorial note: Read as one field report from Ituri. Its focus on displacement centres is a reported dynamic, not a replacement for WHO health-zone counts or IOM screening totals. - Original: [Open source]() RFI reports on displacement centres as a site of epidemic progression in Ituri, within an outbreak already shaped by displacement and access constraints. The report's title identifies Ituri as a location where the Ebola epidemic is progressing in centres hosting displaced people. The available excerpt does not include case figures for those centres. This is consistent with the confirmed context that the outbreak is unfolding in eastern DRC amid armed conflict, large-scale displacement and acute humanitarian needs that constrain humanitarian access and complicate the response. As of 10 August 2026, the WHO estimate cited by IOM was 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases and 2,061 deaths. By 12 August 2026, WHO reported 54 affected health zones across six provinces; Bas-Uélé had been reached, making six provinces affected by mid-August 2026. Most Ebola deaths in affected communities are occurring outside treatment centres. #### Takeaways - Displacement-centre transmission in Ituri is a reported field dynamic, not an aggregate WHO metric. - Eastern DRC conflict, displacement and access constraints are confirmed features of this outbreak. - Keep RFI's Ituri focus separate from WHO health-zone and IOM screening totals. #### Visual provenance - Caption: Ebola progresses in Ituri displacement centres - Alt text: Ebola progresses in Ituri displacement centres - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### Nature Medicine reports emergence of a Bundibugyo virus variant in DRC and Uganda - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-nature-com` - Publisher: nature.com - Source type: research - Registry title: Genomic report of a Bundibugyo virus variant in the 2026 DRC and Uganda outbreak - Editorial note: Read as a virological research article. Variant emergence does not alter the confirmed absence of a licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus. - Original: [Open source]() A 10 August 2026 research article identifies a Bundibugyo virus variant in the 2026 outbreak, against a backdrop of no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. Published 10 August 2026, this Nature Medicine article reports the emergence of a Bundibugyo virus variant in the 2026 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The available excerpt is the title and opening; it does not provide separate Uganda case counts in this dossier. The outbreak concerned is the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC and is expanding faster than previous Ebola outbreaks there. As of 10 August 2026, the WHO estimate cited by IOM was 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases and 2,061 deaths. The Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. By 12 August 2026, WHO reported expansion to 54 health zones across six DRC provinces; Bas-Uélé had been reached, making six provinces affected by mid-August 2026. #### Takeaways - Nature Medicine's variant finding is genomic, not an announcement of a vaccine or treatment. - Case and death figures remain the 10 August 2026 WHO estimate cited by IOM. - The absence of a licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment is confirmed for this outbreak. #### Visual provenance - Caption: Genomic report identifies Bundibugyo virus variant in 2026 DRC and Uganda outbreak - Alt text: Genomic report identifies Bundibugyo virus variant in 2026 DRC and Uganda outbreak - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### US public health field note names Bundibugyo virus in DRC and Uganda - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-cdc-gov` - Publisher: cdc.gov - Source type: official\_position - Registry title: CDC MMWR Notes from the Field: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC and Uganda, May 2026 - Editorial note: Read as an early official US field note; keep its May 2026 framing separate from later operational and epidemiological totals. - Original: [Open source]() A CDC MMWR Notes from the Field entry, dated May 2026, addresses Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This official CDC field note is titled as covering the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda in May 2026. It is an early public health source in the outbreak record. The outbreak it addresses is the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC and is expanding faster than previous Ebola outbreaks there. As of 10 August 2026, the DRC reported 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases, including 2,061 deaths, according to the WHO estimate cited by IOM. The Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. Confirmed reporting also shows the outbreak is affecting cross-border movements and regional preparedness, including the movement of health and humanitarian workers, cargo and commercial travellers. #### Takeaways - Official US CDC field note dated May 2026, covering DRC and Uganda. - Largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in DRC, expanding faster than previous ones. - No licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus. - Cross-border movement and regional preparedness are affected. #### Visual provenance - Caption: CDC MMWR notes Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC and Uganda, May 2026 - Alt text: CDC MMWR notes Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC and Uganda, May 2026 - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### OCHA week-32 snapshot: six provinces, access constrained - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-unocha-org` - Publisher: unocha.org - Source type: humanitarian - Registry title: OCHA DRC Ebola Situation Overview, Week 32 (14 August 2026) - Editorial note: Read as a humanitarian situation snapshot, not an epidemiological line list; dates and operational constraints matter more than case totals here. - Original: [Open source]() An OCHA situation overview dated 14 August 2026 covers week 32 of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This OCHA snapshot is dated 14 August 2026 and covers week 32. It is a humanitarian overview rather than a primary epidemiological bulletin. By 12 August 2026, WHO reported that the outbreak had expanded to 54 health zones across six DRC provinces. The outbreak had reached Bas-Uélé, making six DRC provinces affected by mid-August 2026. The outbreak is unfolding in eastern DRC amid armed conflict, large-scale displacement and acute humanitarian needs that constrain humanitarian access and complicate the response. Most Ebola deaths in affected DRC communities are occurring outside treatment centres, highlighting the need for stronger community surveillance, contact tracing and earlier referral. #### Takeaways - OCHA week-32 overview dated 14 August 2026. - 54 health zones across six provinces, including Bas-Uélé, by mid-August 2026. - Armed conflict, displacement and humanitarian needs constrain access. - Most Ebola deaths occur outside treatment centres. #### Visual provenance - Caption: OCHA overview shows Ebola situation in DRC as of week 32 - Alt text: OCHA overview shows Ebola situation in DRC as of week 32 - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### DRC, Uganda and South Sudan seal regional Ebola coordination - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-sante-gouv-cd` - Publisher: sante.gouv.cd - Source type: official\_position - Registry title: DRC Ministry of Health: Regional Coordination with Uganda and South Sudan in Kampala - Editorial note: Read as an official national health ministry statement on coordination commitments, not as a source of new epidemiological totals. - Original: [Open source]() The DRC Ministry of Health reports that DRC, Uganda and South Sudan sealed strengthened regional coordination in Kampala. This official statement from the DRC Ministry of Health reports that the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan sealed strengthened regional coordination in Kampala. The outbreak is affecting cross-border movements and regional preparedness, including the movement of health and humanitarian workers, cargo and commercial travellers. The Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. The outbreak is the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC and is expanding faster than previous Ebola outbreaks there. #### Takeaways - Official DRC health ministry statement on regional coordination. - Coordination involves DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, sealed in Kampala. - Cross-border movements and regional preparedness are affected. - No licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus. #### Visual provenance - Caption: DRC, Uganda and South Sudan strengthen regional coordination in Kampala - Alt text: DRC, Uganda and South Sudan strengthen regional coordination in Kampala - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### IOM plan targets mobile populations; sitrep reports screening and RCCE activity - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int` - Publisher: crisisresponse.iom.int - Source type: humanitarian - Registry title: IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan - Editorial note: Read as an operational plan and sitrep source; separate planned targets from reported activity for 3–9 August 2026. - Original: [Open source]() IOM's multi-country Ebola virus disease preparedness and response plan covers migrants, internally displaced populations, highly mobile populations and host communities over a six-month timeline. IOM's multi-country EVD preparedness and response plan targets migrants, internally displaced populations, highly mobile populations and host communities, with a six-month timeline. For Situation Report No. 13 covering 3–9 August 2026, IOM reported supporting 16,557,079 health screenings, 225 points of entry or control, and reaching 13,111,025 people through risk communication and community engagement activities. As of 10 August 2026, the DRC reported 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases, including 2,061 deaths, according to the WHO estimate cited by IOM. The outbreak is unfolding in eastern DRC amid armed conflict, large-scale displacement and acute humanitarian needs that constrain humanitarian access and complicate the response. #### Takeaways - IOM plan targets migrants, IDPs, highly mobile populations and host communities. - Sitrep No. 13 activity covers 3–9 August 2026: 16,557,079 screenings, 225 points of entry/control, 13,111,025 reached via RCCE. - WHO estimate cited by IOM: 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths as of 10 August 2026. - Eastern DRC access is constrained by conflict, displacement and acute humanitarian needs. #### Visual provenance - Caption: IOM multi-country EVD preparedness and response plan covers June–November 2026 - Alt text: IOM multi-country EVD preparedness and response plan covers June–November 2026 - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ### A code-and-data window into the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak - Registry ID: `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-github-com` - Publisher: github.com - Source type: primary\_document - Registry title: INRB-UMIE/BDBV2026-Data: epidemiological analysis repository - Editorial note: Read this as a working data-and-code repository, not an official situation report; case, death, and response figures should be checked against dated WHO and IOM reporting. - Original: [Open source]() The repository hosts data and scripts for epidemiological analysis of the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, with a linked dashboard. It is a technical artifact, not a primary situation report. The repository is described as providing data and scripts for epidemiological analysis of the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak. Its homepage points to an epidemic dashboard, and the codebase uses Python and R. Repository metadata shows it was created on 19 May 2026, with 66 stars, 19 forks, and 12 open issues at the time the source was captured. The outbreak it concerns is the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the DRC and is expanding faster than previous Ebola outbreaks there. As of 10 August 2026, the WHO estimate cited by IOM reported 4,449 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases, including 2,061 deaths. By 12 August 2026, WHO reported that the outbreak had expanded to 54 health zones across six DRC provinces, including Bas-Uélé. The outbreak is unfolding in eastern DRC amid armed conflict, large-scale displacement, and acute humanitarian needs that constrain humanitarian access and complicate the response. Most Ebola deaths in affected communities are occurring outside treatment centres, and the Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. The outbreak is also affecting cross-border movements and regional preparedness, including the movement of health and humanitarian workers, cargo, and commercial travellers. For Situation Report No. 13 covering 3–9 August 2026, IOM reported supporting 16,557,079 health screenings, 225 points of entry or control, and reaching 13,111,025 people through risk communication and community engagement activities. These operational totals are activity for that interval and should not be read as cumulative outbreak totals. #### Takeaways - This is a technical repository for outbreak analysis, not an official epidemiological bulletin. - The outbreak context includes 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths as of 10 August 2026, per the WHO estimate cited by IOM. - By 12 August 2026, WHO reported spread to 54 health zones across six provinces, including Bas-Uélé. - IOM's 3–9 August 2026 operational figures cover screenings, points of entry/control, and risk communication reach, not total cases or deaths. #### Visual provenance - Caption: INRB-UMIE repository hosts epidemiological analysis for BDBV2026 - Alt text: INRB-UMIE repository hosts epidemiological analysis for BDBV2026 - Credit: Totally Fine Foundation - Rights / license: Project editorial graphic; original source(s) linked - Asset: [View image]() - Original / provenance: [Open source]() ## Analysis shelf ### Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo - Publisher: who.int - Type: official page - Why it matters: Authoritative epidemiological situation and outbreak assessment - Position note: WHO perspective; covers official global position, not field-level community accounts - Original: [Open source]() ### IOM MULTI COUNTRY EVD PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN - Publisher: crisisresponse.iom.int - Type: report - Why it matters: Operational response data and funding requirements - Position note: IOM perspective; self-reported activity and funding, not independent audit - Original: [Open source]() ### INRB-UMIE/BDBV2026-Data - Publisher: github.com - Type: dataset - Why it matters: Epidemiological data and scripts for analysis - Position note: INRB/UMIE perspective; raw data and code, not interpreted conclusions - Original: [Open source]() ## Media shelf ### quotation omitted from the machine-readable edition - Publisher: news.un.org - Type: media - Why it matters: Reports majority of deaths outside treatment centres - Position note: Linked reference, not hosted material; UN News perspective - Original: [Open source]() ### RDC: derrière la défiance face à Ebola, ce que les communautés disent de la riposte sanitaire - Publisher: rfi.fr - Type: media - Why it matters: Community perspectives on response - Position note: Linked reference, not hosted material; RFI reporting - Original: [Open source]() ### Ebola en RDC: en Ituri, l'épidémie progresse dans les centre d'accueil de personnes déplacées - Publisher: rfi.fr - Type: media - Why it matters: Outbreak progression in displacement sites - Position note: Linked reference, not hosted material; RFI reporting - Original: [Open source]() ## Open questions - Keep the 10 August WHO case/death estimate cited by IOM separate from the 12 August WHO health-zone count and from IOM Situation Report No. 13 operational totals for 3–9 August. - Confirm whether any additional provinces or health zones are reported after 12 August 2026; Bas-Uélé is already confirmed as the sixth province per WHO. - Monitor whether any vaccine or treatment candidate receives emergency use listing, given the confirmed absence of a licensed vaccine or approved virus-specific treatment. - Track the share of community deaths and whether community surveillance, contact tracing and earlier referral indicators improve. - Track cross-border movement and regional preparedness measures, including any reported disruptions to health and humanitarian workers, cargo and commercial travellers. - Verify IOM Situation Report No. 13 operational totals (16,557,079 screenings, 225 points of entry/control, 13,111,025 reached) as activity for 3–9 August, not cumulative outbreak totals. - Confirm the actual date of outbreak onset; the cluster started\_at currently reflects the 10 August 2026 WHO estimate date, not a confirmed first case date. ## Source registry - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-reliefweb-int` — [reliefweb.int — IOM Situation Report No. 13: Multi-Country Bundibugyo Ebola Response, 3–9 August 2026](); humanitarian; 2026-08-14 - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-who-int` — [who.int — WHO Disease Outbreak News: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC](); official\_position; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-insp-cd` — [insp.cd — DRC COUSP Situation Report No. 081: 51 health zones, five provinces (3 August 2026)](); primary\_document; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-news-un-org` — [news.un.org — UN News: Most Ebola deaths in DRC occur outside treatment centres](); news; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-ohchr-org` — [ohchr.org — UN experts call for attention to Indigenous Peoples' vulnerability in DRC Ebola epidemic](); human\_rights; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-rfi-fr` — [rfi.fr — Community mistrust and the Ebola response in DRC](); news; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-rfi-fr-2` — [rfi.fr — Ebola progression in Ituri displacement centres](); news; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-nature-com` — [nature.com — Genomic report of a Bundibugyo virus variant in the 2026 DRC and Uganda outbreak](); research; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-cdc-gov` — [cdc.gov — CDC MMWR Notes from the Field: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC and Uganda, May 2026](); official\_position; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-unocha-org` — [unocha.org — OCHA DRC Ebola Situation Overview, Week 32 (14 August 2026)](); humanitarian; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-sante-gouv-cd` — [sante.gouv.cd — DRC Ministry of Health: Regional Coordination with Uganda and South Sudan in Kampala](); official\_position; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-crisisresponse-iom-int` — [crisisresponse.iom.int — IOM Multi-Country EVD Preparedness and Response Plan](); humanitarian; date not supplied - `src-drc-bundibugyo-ebola-2026-github-com` — [github.com — INRB-UMIE/BDBV2026-Data: epidemiological analysis repository](); primary\_document; date not supplied