Ebola death toll rises to 1,356 as DRC records new infections

KAMPALA, July 27, 2026 — The death toll from the Bundibugyo virus disease [BVD] outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo [ DRC ] and Uganda has risen to 1,356, with 3,095 confirmed cases reported across the two countries, according to the latest situation report released by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention [Africa CDC].

Released today, the report, covering the situation as of July 24, 2026, indicates that the DRC recorded 102 new confirmed cases, 45 deaths and 16 recoveries within the previous 24 hours, underscoring the continued spread of the form of Ebola virus disease despite ongoing response efforts.

The BVD is one of the recognised forms of Ebola virus disease and is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus.

Ituri Province remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for nearly 89 per cent of all confirmed cases in the DRC. Health facilities in neighbouring North Kivu are also under increasing strain, with treatment centres operating at 126.9 percent bed occupancy, reflecting severe pressure on the country’s healthcare system.

Africa CDC said contact tracing efforts in the DRC remain below the desired level, with national follow-up standing at 76.4 percent against the target of 95 per cent, raising concerns about the potential for continued transmission.

In contrast, Uganda reported no new confirmed cases or deaths during the reporting period. The agency said all previously identified contacts have successfully completed the required follow-up period, signalling improved containment of the outbreak in the country.

Health authorities are prioritising the expansion of isolation and treatment facilities, strengthening contact tracing, protecting frontline health workers, improving community engagement and ensuring safer access for emergency response teams operating in affected areas.

To bolster the response, Africa CDC has delivered nine GeneXpert diagnostic machines and laboratory reagents, deployed the District Health Information Software 2 [DHIS2] response toolkit, supported the training of more than 4,000 community health workers and continued to strengthen cross-border coordination between the affected countries.

The regional public health agency urged sustained collaboration among governments, health partners and communities to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.

Background

On May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Health [MoH] in the DRC and Uganda declared an Ebola disease outbreak after the laboratory confirmation of BVD among symptomatic cases. In the DRC, eight laboratory-confirmed BVD cases, including healthcare workers presenting at different healthcare facilities, were reported. The cases were reported from three health zones [Mongbwalu, Bunia, and Rwampara in Ituri Province.

This is the 17^th Ebola disease outbreak to be declared in DRC since the first outbreak in 1976. The MoH in Uganda concurrently confirmed the BVD outbreak following the laboratory confirmation of one case in Kampala, imported from the DRC on May 15, 2026. Subsequently, the second laboratory confirmed imported case was reported on May 16, 2026 in Kampala, linked to the index case.

Figures as of 24 July 2026: 

• 3,095 confirmed cases and 1,356 deaths have been reported across the DRC and Uganda.
  • The DRC recorded 102 new cases, 45 deaths and 16 recoveries in the past 24 hours.
  • Ituri remains the epicentre, accounting for nearly 89 percent of cases in the DRC.
  • North Kivu treatment centres remain under severe pressure, with bed occupancy at 126.9 percent.
  • National contact follow-up in the DRC stands at 76.4 percent, below the 95 percent response target.

https://thecooperator.news/africa-cdc-urges-us-to-lift-ebola-related-travel-restrictions-on-uganda/

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