DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Reaches Sixth Province as Reported Deaths Exceed 2,100

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached a sixth province after authorities reported a death in Bas-Uele, according to statements from African public-health officials reported on August 13, 2026.

The newly affected province joins Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo. The case reported in Bas-Uele involved a person who had travelled from Haut-Uele to the provincial capital, Buta, public-health officials said.

Congolese government figures cited by The Associated Press indicated more than 4,500 reported cases and more than 2,100 deaths as of August 13. Because outbreak totals change as suspected cases are tested and records are reconciled, these figures should be understood as a dated snapshot rather than a final count.

What is known about the outbreak

The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, one of the viruses that can cause Ebola disease. The Democratic Republic of the Congo officially declared the outbreak on May 15, 2026. Two days later, the World Health Organization determined that the event in the DRC and Uganda constituted a public health emergency of international concern.

WHO’s detailed bulletin dated July 17 reported 2,124 confirmed cases and 828 deaths in the DRC as of July 15, when infections had been recorded across five provinces. More recent national figures reported in August are substantially higher and include the newly affected Bas-Uele province.

Health authorities have said transmission remains concentrated in Ituri, while insecurity, difficult road access, population movement, strained health services and gaps in contact follow-up are complicating the response in affected areas.

How Ebola spreads

Ebola does not spread through ordinary casual contact in the same way as common respiratory infections. WHO says person-to-person transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, or with contaminated surfaces and materials. A person is not considered infectious before symptoms begin.

The incubation period can range from two to 21 days. Early symptoms may include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, followed in some cases by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash or other serious complications. These symptoms can resemble other illnesses, so laboratory testing and professional medical assessment are essential.

Response and treatment research

WHO and Africa CDC are supporting surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, infection prevention, clinical care, community engagement and preparedness in neighbouring countries. Clinical trials are also evaluating treatment and vaccine candidates for Bundibugyo virus disease.

WHO says no vaccine or specific treatment is currently approved for Bundibugyo virus disease, although patients can benefit from early supportive care and treatment of complications. Readers should rely on WHO, national health authorities and qualified medical professionals rather than unverified social-media claims.

Connect TV Channel will update this report when WHO, Africa CDC or Congolese health authorities publish materially revised figures or response guidance.