Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda

What the report says

The World Health Organization reported on 17 July 2026 that an Ebola disease outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus remains active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where transmission is continuing and reported illness and death totals have risen. As of 15 July, WHO said DRC had recorded 2,124 confirmed cases and 828 deaths, for a crude case fatality ratio of 39%. Across the event, WHO listed 2,145 confirmed cases: 2,124 in DRC, 20 in Uganda and one in France, with 830 deaths overall.

WHO said DRC has added 664 confirmed cases and 376 confirmed deaths since its previous update on 3 July, partly reflecting expanded surveillance, testing and diagnostic capacity. Cases have been detected in 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo, with 38 zones still reporting recent cases. Ituri is the hardest-hit province, accounting for nearly nine in 10 confirmed cases. WHO also reported 119 confirmed infections among health workers, including 36 deaths, underscoring infection-prevention risks in health facilities and communities.

Uganda has reported no new cases since 21 June, according to WHO. Its 20 confirmed cases were all in Kampala District, including imported infections and limited secondary cases linked to contacts and health workers; WHO said no community transmission has been identified. The most recent patient was discharged on 16 July after two negative tests, starting a 42-day enhanced surveillance period before an outbreak-end declaration can be considered.

WHO also noted international links to the response: Germany confirmed on 13 July that a U.S. humanitarian worker evacuated from DRC had Bundibugyo virus disease, the second U.S. citizen treated there. France has reported no further cases after one imported patient recovered.