WHO says early care and reliable oxygen decide survival in DR Congo's Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak

29 September 2026

Speaking on 29 September 2026, WHO said early access to care and reliable oxygen are decisive for the survival of Ebola patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The outbreak, declared in May 2026, is caused by Bundibugyo virus and has reached 8,067 confirmed cases and 3,901 deaths, a case fatality rate above 48 per cent.
It has spread to seven of the DRC's 26 provinces and 63 health zones, with Bunia, capital of Ituri province, as the epicentre.
Treatment capacity has been expanded to more than 1,600 beds across 50 treatment centres, with plans to exceed 2,000 beds.
Nearly 400 health workers have been trained, including through a training hub set up in Bunia.
20,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which is effective against Ebola Zaire, have been allocated for a research vaccination programme in Ituri; there is no approved vaccine against Ebola Bundibugyo.
Dr Janet Diaz of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme said oxygen remains unavailable or unreliable in many health facilities, especially in emergency settings.