Bundibugyo virus disease updates

Bundibugyo Virus Disease Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

As of 22 June 2026, health authorities had reported 1094 laboratory-confirmed cases (including 277 deaths), 131 suspected cases and 115 recovered cases in three provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu in north-eastern DRC. In Ituri (997 confirmed cases), more than half of the health zones (22 out of 36) are affected, including Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nyankunde and Nizi. As of 24 June 2026, Uganda has confirmed 20 laboratory-confirmed cases (including two deaths) in Kampala and Wakiso; 15 imported cases linked to travel from DRC and 5 local cases. WHO has noted significant uncertainty regarding the true extent of transmission, with reports of community deaths, infections among healthcare workers, and possible undetected spread within affected areas. Unlike outbreaks caused by Zaire ebolavirus, there are currently no approved vaccines or specific therapeutics for Bundibugyo virus disease.

Data from Centre des opérations d’urgences de santé publique (COUSP-DRC) and Uganda Ministry of Health.

Overview

Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) is a severe, often fatal illness caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BVDV), one of the species within the Ebolavirus genus known to cause disease in humans.

BVD has caused two recognised outbreaks prior to the current May 2026 outbreak. The first occurred in Uganda in 2007–2008 (131 confirmed cases, 42 deaths) and the second in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2012 (38 confirmed cases and 13 deaths).

BVD is clinically similar to other Ebola virus disease (EVD) and Sudan virus disease (SVD) and may cause outbreaks associated with high mortality rates.

Who is at risk for BVD?

Bundibugyo virus disease has a zoonotic origin, meaning that infection originates in animals before spreading to humans. Specific species of bats are considered the most likely natural reservoir hosts, although this has not been conclusively proven. Non-human primates and possibly other wildlife may also become infected.

Persons who have close contact with infected animals, infected people, or contaminated environments are at risk of infection. Healthcare workers, laboratory personnel, household contacts, caregivers, and mourners participating in burial practices involving direct contact with the deceased are at increased risk.

Does BVD occur in South Africa?

BVD does not occur naturally in South Africa, and no confirmed cases have been reported in the country to date. However, imported cases remain possible if travellers return from outbreak-affected countries after exposure to infected persons, animals, or contaminated environments.

How is Bundibugyo ebolavirus transmitted?

Bundibugyo ebolavirus spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. Infectious body fluids may include vomit, diarrhoea, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk, and semen. Healthcare-associated transmission and unsafe burial practices are recognised as important amplification factors.

Infection can occur when these fluids come into contact with broken skin or the eyes, nose, or mouth. Transmission may also occur through contact with contaminated items such as clothing, bedding, medical equipment, or needles.

Traditional burial practices involving direct contact with the body of a deceased person can also spread infection. Bundibugyo ebolavirus is not spread through the air, water, food, or casual social contact,  unless there has been  direct exposure to infectious body fluids.

Global public health response

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (Bundibugyo virus disease; BVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following increasing cross-border transmission and concerns regarding wider regional spread.  Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also declared the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and South African health authorities continue to closely monitor the situation in collaboration with the National Department of Health, the WHO, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and regional partners. Readiness protocols remain in place in South Africa, including enhanced surveillance, laboratory preparedness, infection prevention and control measures, and awareness among healthcare workers to ensure rapid detection and response should a suspected imported case be identified. WHO currently does not recommend travel or trade restrictions related to the outbreak.

For related information, see Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD).

For related information, see Ebola virus disease (EVD).