Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda: More than 1,000 deaths reported

Bunia – 23 July 2026: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has surpassed the threshold of 1,000 deaths, according to the latest figures assessed by the World Health Organization. A total of 1,001 deaths have been recorded. The new figures are based primarily on data from Congolese health authorities up to 20 July and underline that the epidemic in the east of the country continues to gain considerable momentum.

Since the outbreak began in mid-May, 2,473 confirmed infections and 999 deaths have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda continues to report 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. This means that almost the entire current disease burden is concentrated in the neighboring country. The figures are continuously reviewed and may change as laboratory tests are reported later or cases are newly classified.

The northeastern Ituri Province, on the border with Uganda and South Sudan, remains the hardest hit. There, 2,202 cases and 838 deaths have been reported. Further cases have occurred mainly in North Kivu. According to the European health authority, 47 of 140 health zones in five provinces are affected overall. The spread across several administrative areas complicates contact tracing and the rapid care of those who are ill.

The epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus. There is currently no approved specific vaccine and no targeted standard treatment for this type of Ebola. Early identification of suspected cases, laboratory testing, the isolation and medical care of infected people, and the monitoring of close contacts are therefore crucial. The World Health Organization also points to the importance of safe burials and close cooperation with affected communities.

Uganda has not reported a new confirmed case since 21 June. The last treated patient was discharged from an isolation facility in Kampala on 16 July after two negative tests. This marked the beginning of the mandatory 42-day period of enhanced surveillance before the end of the outbreak can be declared in the country. Due to the continuing active epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the risk of new imported cases remains.

The World Health Organization assesses the risk within the Democratic Republic of the Congo as very high because of ongoing transmission. Uganda and neighboring countries continue to face a high risk, particularly due to cross-border mobility, trade, and regional transport routes. For Europe, the risk of infection for the general population continues to be assessed as very low. Based on the current situation, the organization does not recommend general restrictions on travel or trade with the affected countries.