The current Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded to include the Alimbongo health zone in North Kivu. The outbreak remains concentrated in the eastern part of the country.
Updated October 21, 2026
The current outbreak is the second documented Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the country, after the 2012 outbreak, and the largest Ebola disease outbreak ever recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo irrespective of virus species. The population at greatest risk of exposure is concentrated in communities living in and moving through the health areas with active transmission.
Ituri Province Epicenter and Maternal Care Crisis
Nearly 63,700 pregnant women live in the affected areas. Fear of contamination, misinformation, and stigma related to Ebola drive many women to avoid health facilities, risking giving birth alone at home.
Led the Ministry of Health delegation in a media briefing following confirmation of Kenya's first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.The patient, a Kenyan national who had lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo for seven years, travelled to Nairobi after falling… pic.twitter.com/YkKLukOGp0
— https://x.com/HonAdenDuale/status/2107460759336697899
Rapid recognition of cases, testing and optimized supportive care can reduce mortality, and improve community perceptions and acceptance of health care within the response.
Cross-Border Transmission and Confirmed Cases in Kenya
On 5 October 2026, WHO was informed about a laboratory-confirmed imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in Kenya with travel history from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A sample collected from the patient on 5 October was positive for BDBV at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute Laboratory on the same day. The patient was given supportive treatment but subsequently died. A safe and dignified burial has been conducted. Public health response measures have been initiated in Kenya and Uganda, including contact tracing.
Kenya has confirmed a third case of Bundibugyo virus disease. The patient was already in quarantine at the time of confirmation.
| Date | Jurisdiction | Reported Event |
|---|---|---|
| October 5, 2026 | Kenya | First imported laboratory-confirmed case and patient death |
| October 14, 2026 | Kenya | Second confirmed case involving a 39-year-old male contact |
| October 16, 2026 | Kenya | Third confirmed case identified while in quarantine |
The second case, confirmed on 14 October, involved a 39-year-old man, a contact of the first patient. Placed under surveillance upon the confirmation of the first case, he had presented symptoms (fever, fatigue and joint pain) on 13 October. Public health response measures have been initiated in Kenya and Uganda, including contact tracing.
International Medical Evacuations and Surveillance Pressures
On 1 October, the Netherlands reported the medical evacuation of a healthcare worker who tested positive by PCR for Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the time of reporting, the patient has been undergoing treatment in the Netherlands.
Update (October 21, 2026)
According to BBC, Kenya has confirmed nine Ebola cases, including four relatives of the first patient, three health workers, and a hospital cleaner, all linked to the initial case. The US has warned citizens against traveling to Kenya, while Uganda, Ethiopia, and Somalia are on alert. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union cited "lapses" at border points and airports, citing understaffing.
Kenya’s health ministry reported 134 of 135 contacts of the first patient remain in quarantine, with 99% traced. A dedicated lab was set up at Kenyatta National Hospital, and a toll-free hotline (719) was launched. Health Director-General Patrick Amoth stated none of the contacts showed symptoms, calling spread "literally non-existent." Over 5,000 healthcare workers have been trained, though unions question protections for frontline staff.