Escalating Ebola Outbreak Devastates Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda
A deadly Ebola outbreak continues to ravage the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with significant fatalities and new cases, while Uganda has declared the end of its outbreak.
Ebola Outbreak Escalates in Democratic Republic of the Congo
As of August 16, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with a severe Ebola outbreak, reporting 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths. The latest data indicates a troubling surge with 101 new cases and 53 additional deaths since August 15. The most affected region remains Ituri, contributing 89 of the new cases, with the virus spreading across multiple provinces, including North Kivu, Haut Uele, and Tshopo.
In Ituri, 4,194 cases and 1,838 deaths have been reported from 28 of the 36 health zones. North Kivu follows, with 596 cases and 417 deaths in 12 out of 34 zones. Other provinces, such as Haut-Uele, South Kivu, and Tshopo, report varying case numbers with fatalities, indicating extensive regional impact. Overall, 55 out of 151 health zones across six provinces are impacted.
The DRC's fight against the outbreak is ongoing, with approximately 85.3% of identified contacts under surveillance. Despite concerted efforts, data reconciliation continues to be a challenge.
Uganda Declares End of Ebola Outbreak
Uganda's Ministry of Health declared the end of its Ebola outbreak on July 28, 2026. The country had battled a total of 20 confirmed cases and two deaths since May, with the last patient being discharged on July 16, 2026. Since then, no new cases have emerged.
International Containment Efforts and Threat Assessments
The outbreak has had international implications, with a US citizen and a humanitarian worker medevaced to Germany and France, respectively. The US CDC confirmed an additional American testing positive for the Bundibugyo virus.
Nonetheless, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) assesses a very low risk of infection spreading to the European Union or European Economic Area. However, EU member states are urged to maintain robust preparedness.
A comprehensive [Threat Assessment Brief on the 2026 Ebola Outbreak](https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/threat-assessment-brief-ebola-disease-outbreak-caused-bundibugyo-virus-democratic) by the ECDC continues to provide insights as the outbreak evolves. The next update is anticipated on August 18, 2026.
Reviewed by Ebola.ai Data Integrity Desk
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