The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda has been a complex and ongoing crisis, with a significant impact on public health and global concern. As of September 2026, the DRC has reported a staggering 6,186 confirmed cases, with 3,007 related deaths, and 830 patients currently hospitalized in isolation. This represents a concerning increase in cases and deaths since the previous report, with 86 new confirmed cases and 57 deaths reported in just one month. The outbreak has particularly affected the Ituri province, which has seen 5,065 cases and 2,305 deaths, making it the epicenter of the crisis. The North Kivu province has also been severely impacted, with 868 cases and 589 deaths, while the other affected provinces have reported fewer cases and deaths.
In Uganda, the situation was more controlled, with only 20 cases reported between May and June 2026. However, the country's efforts were not without challenges, as the WHO declared the end of the outbreak on August 25, 2026, after a 42-day countdown without new confirmed cases. This declaration came after a US citizen was medically evacuated to Germany in May 2026, and another imported case was reported in France in June 2026, both linked to the ongoing outbreak in the DRC.
The Bundibugyo virus, which is the strain causing the outbreak, has been a significant concern. The US CDC reported a positive case in a US citizen working for a humanitarian organization in the DRC, who was then medically evacuated to Germany. This highlights the potential for international spread and the importance of global surveillance and response.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the likelihood of infection for people in the European Union/European Economic Area is considered very low. The ECDC continues to monitor the outbreak closely, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and information updates. The weekly updates on the outbreak are available in the Communicable Disease Threats Report, providing valuable insights into the evolving situation.
This Ebola outbreak has raised important questions about global health preparedness, international collaboration, and the challenges of controlling infectious diseases in resource-constrained settings. It serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global health and the need for robust surveillance, rapid response, and coordinated efforts to prevent and manage such outbreaks.
