A rising epidemiological toll

As screening capacities improved at the end of May, the health situation has become clearer. As of 4 June 2026, official data from the INRB in the République Démocratique du Congo indicates:

• 381 confirmed cases;
• 64 confirmed deaths;
• 233 suspected patients currently held in isolation.

In Uganda, surveillance continues with 19 reported cases and one fatality recorded as of 5 June.

Expanding and rehabilitating specialized treatment units

To combat the spread of the Bundibugyo virus and sever transmission chains, medical responses are being adapted across the hardest-hit regions.

Bunia: Expanding capacity to meet patient demand

The facility in Bunia is currently stretched to its limits. On 5 June, it housed 37 suspected cases and 7 confirmed patients. To mitigate the risk of further spread, the site is undergoing significant expansion. “We are preparing a new area and will double our capacity to 70 beds within days,” notes Anthony Kergosien, who coordinates emergency efforts in Bunia. If the situation escalates, the centre is prepared to increase its capacity to 100 beds.

Goma: Restoring a strategic treatment site

In Goma, a dedicated treatment centre has been reopened to isolate suspected cases and provide care for confirmed patients. The first admissions began on 28 May.

“This site has served in previous outbreaks. Our teams prioritize dialogue with patients, working to reassure them about the process, explaining the care plan, the expected length of stay, and the necessary testing,” explains Tathy Modjaka Nzoko, medical activity manager in Goma.

Staff safety and community trust: The dual pillars of response

Guarding medical personnel against infection

Medical staff utilize full personal protective equipment to ensure effective defense against the Bundibugyo virus. The infectious dose of this particular strain is remarkably low. “Only a few viral particles entering the eyes or mouth are enough to cause illness.”

The primary goal of this protective gear is to keep the Ebola virus away from the skin. “It must be entirely waterproof because the virus is transmitted through bodily fluids. This is crucial as we currently lack the vaccines and treatments we typically rely on,” says Armand Sprecher, an emergency physician and epidemiologist.

Establishing bonds with local communities

For isolation measures to be effective, clear communication and awareness are mandatory.

“Trust between medical teams and the local population is paramount. Families often prefer to care for their loved ones at home, but we need them to come to the treatment centre immediately. The fact that the protective suits make us look like visitors from another planet can create hesitation. We take the time to explain why we wear this gear and emphasize that many of those inside the suits are people from their own community,” explains Armand Sprecher.

Knowledge transfer and team preparation

To sustain a large-scale response, the focus is on sharing expertise. Specialized training is conducted at dedicated centres in Belgium before teams deploy to the field.

“During every Ebola outbreak, transferring knowledge is a vital component. We have specialists with extensive experience in epidemic response. We deploy these experts to lead the way and train others on the ground,” Armand Sprecher adds.

Understanding the Bundibugyo virus: Outbreak specifics

Unlike previous waves in the DRC, this epidemic is driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a member of the orthoebolavirus family that includes the Zaire and Sudan variants.

While the lethality rate of Bundibugyo is lower than the classic Ebola virus—ranging between 25% and 40%—the medical response faces a significant hurdle: there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this particular strain.

Humanitarian efforts continue nationwide

Hundreds of professionals remain active in the affected areas of Ituri and North Kivu, while additional care capacity is being organized in South Kivu. Every week, tons of medical and logistical equipment continue to arrive in the DRC from international hubs to sustain the intervention.