DR Congo: Health Cluster Situational Report #1 (17 May 2026)

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Sources: Health Cluster, World Health Organization Please refer to the attached file. 1.Highlights • Outbreak of Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in Ituri Province, following confirmation of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in reported cases. On 17 May 2026, the WHO Director-General determined that the outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As of 23:59 on 16 May 2026, the DRC MoPH reported 8 laboratory-confirmed cases, 393 suspected cases and 105 suspected deaths in Ituri Province across at least nine health zones: Bunia, Rwampara, Bambu, Fataki, Logo, Mangala, Nizi, Nyankunde and Mongbwalu. • Specific situation in Goma On 17 May, the de facto authorities in Goma (the Governor of Goma) officially declared a confirmed Ebola case tested by the INRB Goma laboratory (BSL-3 laboratory). The confirmed case has a direct epidemiological link with the ongoing outbreak in Ituri, including a recent travel history to Ituri, and genomic analysis confirmed the same strain. This situation has led to the closure of the border between Goma and Rwanda, which is expected to significantly complicate the response operations and humanitarian access. • Outbreak on top of preexisting humanitarian crisis The outbreak is currently occurring in provinces marred by crisis including insecurity, presence of armed actors or de facto authorities with large displacement, weak health systems and insufficient availability of services. Since January 2025 there have been 44 incidents ...

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