Bundibugyo virus disease updates

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

As of 9 August 2026, health authorities had reported 4209 laboratory-confirmed cases (including 1916 deaths), 443 suspected cases and 828 recovered cases in five provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and South Kivu in north-eastern DRC. In Ituri (3636 confirmed cases), the majority of health zones (28 out of 36) are affected, including Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nyankunde and Nizi.

On 28 July, the Ministry of Health of Uganda declared the end of the BVD outbreak in the country following 42 days without a new locally transmitted confirmed case being reported. As of 28 July 2026, Uganda had confirmed 20 laboratory-confirmed cases and two deaths in Kampala and Wakiso. Of these 20 cases, 15 were imported cases linked to travel from DRC. As of 7 July 2026, France has reported one laboratory-confirmed case since 24 June 2026, which is an imported case from the DRC.

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), Uganda Ministry of Health and France Ministère de la Santé, des Familles, de l’Autonomie et des Personnes handicapées.

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).