Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Expands as Two More Health Zones Report Cases

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | 28 September 2026

The Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded to two additional health zones, raising concerns about further transmission toward the country’s international borders.

According to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO), Bulu Health Zone in Sud-Ubangi Province and Dungu Health Zone in Haut-Uélé Province have reported cases. Bulu is in the north-west of the country, while Dungu lies close to the border with South Sudan.

The development brings the number of affected health zones to 63 across seven provinces: Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Sud-Ubangi and Tshopo. WHO said the geographic expansion increases the possibility of cross-border transmission.

Nearly 7,900 confirmed cases

As of 23 September 2026, the DRC had recorded 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths, according to WHO. The organisation reported a crude case-fatality ratio of 48.1%, while 1,966 patients had recovered.

WHO said Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 6,032 confirmed cases since the beginning of the outbreak. North Kivu is the second-most affected province, with 1,480 confirmed cases.

The situation, however, differs considerably between provinces. WHO reported declining transmission in some areas while other locations, including North Kivu and Haut-Uélé, continue to experience significant transmission.

Border areas increase concern

The appearance of cases in Dungu, near South Sudan, and Bulu, in a province bordering neighbouring countries, has added to concerns over possible regional spread.

WHO said 26,980 of 32,342 identified contacts were successfully monitored during the 24 hours preceding its 23 September update. The large number of people requiring follow-up reflects the scale of the response and the challenge of tracing potential exposures.

Health authorities are also operating in difficult conditions, with conflict, insecurity, population displacement and limited access to basic services affecting surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention and access to medical care.

The outbreak was first declared in May 2026 and has continued to expand geographically despite intensified surveillance, treatment capacity and vaccination efforts. WHO’s latest assessment underscores the need for rapid detection, contact monitoring and strengthened preparedness in neighbouring countries.

Source: WHO Disease Outbreak News, 25 September 2026.