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WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in Uganda and DRC a Public Health Emergency
Confirmed
In Short: The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola virus outbreak in Uganda and Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a public health emergency of international concern.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola virus outbreak in Uganda and Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a public health emergency of international concern. As of September 1, 2026, the DRC had reported 6,186 confirmed cases, including 3,007 deaths, with 86 new cases reported from Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut Uele.
Ituri province remains the most affected, with 5,065 cases and 2,305 deaths reported from 28 of 36 health zones. North Kivu has seen 868 cases and 589 deaths from 15 of 34 health zones. Uganda reported 20 cases between May and June 2026, and there were imported cases in the US and France.
The US CDC reported a US citizen working for a humanitarian organization in DRC tested positive for Bundibugyo virus on July 10, 2026. Despite these ongoing challenges, the WHO declared the end of the outbreak on August 25, 2026, after 42 days without a new confirmed case being reported.
In total, 88% of identified case contacts are under follow-up in the affected provinces, indicating ongoing efforts to contain the virus and prevent further spread. This declaration underscores the severity and international concern surrounding the outbreak.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- On 1 September 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported a total of 6 186 confirmed cases, including 3 007 related deaths (from data up until 31 August).
- The 86 new cases have been reported from Ituri (49 cases), North Kivu (32 cases), and Haut Uele (five cases).
- In total, 88% of identified case contacts are under follow-up in the affected provinces.
- Ituri province remains the most affected, with 5 065 cases, including 2 305 deaths, reported from 28 of 36 health zones.
- In North Kivu, 868 cases, including 589 deaths, have been reported from 15 of 34 health zones.
- In Uganda, a total of 20 cases were reported between May and June 2026 by the Ministry of Health.
- On 25 August, WHO declared the end of the outbreak following 42 days without a new confirmed case being reported.
- In May 2026, there was an imported case in a US citizen who was medically evacuated to Germany for treatment, and on 24 June 2026 a further imported case was reported in France by the Ministry of Health.