Overview
- Health authorities first reported the outbreak on May 15, 2026, and the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency two days later.
- More than 5,300 people have died and cases are recorded in eight DRC provinces with confirmed cross‑border infections in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria.
- Armed attacks on treatment centres and mass displacement have forced patients to flee and left more than half of deaths occurring at home, which hinders contact tracing and isolation.
- Laboratory studies show some cross‑reactivity from the existing Ervebo vaccine but there is no licensed vaccine or approved rapid test for Bundibugyo and new vaccine trials were only recently authorized.
- A weak health system, severe shortages of testing and staff, and cuts to development and humanitarian funding are reducing routine care, raising household transmission and worsening hunger and other health risks for communities.