The Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus has recorded its second-largest epidemic in history in the Democratic Republic of Congo: 1,707 deaths out of 3,802 confirmed cases since May 15, 2026, according to data published today by Al Jazeera. The World Health Organization accelerated clinical trials of experimental treatments at the fastest pace ever recorded for this pathogen.
The outbreak is concentrated in Ituri province, which accounts for approximately 90% of cases, though confirmed infections have reached five other provinces, including Kisangani. Unlike the Zaire strain, the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine, making the acceleration of clinical trials the priority technical response. For Mexico and Latin America, the outbreak triggers epidemiological surveillance alerts at international points of entry. The WHO reports funding gaps that limit the response in areas with weak health infrastructure, a factor the organization identifies as a risk of spread to new provinces.
According to Al Jazeera, more than 17,000 contacts are being monitored with daily follow-up at 80%. More than 100 health workers have been infected, putting pressure on the care chain in Ituri. Vasee Moorthy, a WHO official, stated: "If we compare this outbreak with previous ones, we have been able to initiate trials more quickly." The WHO Director-General traveled to Kinshasa to coordinate the field response. Uganda, which recorded imported cases, declared itself Ebola-free in June 2026. The treatments under trial include antivirals and monoclonal antibodies adapted to the Bundibugyo variant.
The WHO estimates that containing the outbreak outside Ituri depends on closing the current funding gap; the Director-General is coordinating with international donors in Kinshasa. The first efficacy data from the accelerated clinical trials will determine the next milestone in the global technical response to this epidemic.
This article was produced with artificial intelligence assistance from verified sources and reviewed by a human editor before publication.