DRC Ebola Outbreaks

How is MSF responding to the 2026 Ebola outbreak?

MSF teams are working around the clock to prepare a large-scale response in DRC, in collaboration with the Congolese health authorities, WHO, and partners.

Our teams are setting up two Ebola treatment centres; one in Goma and one in Mongbwalu. Additionally, we are setting up an isolation ward in Kyeshero hospital in Goma.  

In Kyeshero hospital, which our teams already support with paediatric services, MSF is training hospital medical staff on Ebola case management.

Several tons of equipment and supplies are on their way to DRC, including personal protective equipment (PPE), medical equipment, medicines, generators, solar panels, disinfectants, and hygiene equipment.

We are mobilising medical and logistics staff who are experienced in treating viral haemorrhagic fevers, including dozens of internationally mobile staff, to support our Congolese colleagues.

The rest of our response activities are still being defined. However, a typical Ebola response comprises six main pillars: 

• care and isolation of patients; 
• tracing and follow up of patient contacts; 
• raising community awareness of the disease, such as how to prevent it and where to seek care; 
• conducting safe burials; 
• proactively detecting new cases; and 
• supporting existing health structures. 

Importantly, protecting staff and patients through safeguarding, duty of care, and Ebola prevention measures, while ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services, are among our priorities. Community engagement is also a key aspect of the response.

MSF has also informed the Ugandan Ministry of Health that we are ready to support their response, if needed.

Is the 2026 Ebola outbreak different from previous Ebola disease outbreaks?

DRC has faced 16 outbreaks of Ebola disease since it was first identified in 1976 – this outbreak is the 17th. Nearly all of the previous outbreaks have been of the Ebola (Zaire) virus.

However, the 2026 Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus. Dealing with this outbreak will be difficult, given there is a short supply of testing kits for diagnosis and there are no approved treatments or vaccines for Bundibugyo virus. It is already suspected that cases are underreported.

People in the areas affected in DRC are also living through extreme levels of conflict and displacement. It may be complicated to identify, follow up, and isolate cases as people are on the move and the health system is under resourced.

Where is the 2026 Ebola outbreak happening?

Ebola disease outbreaks have been officially declared in DRC and Uganda. In DRC, cases have been identified in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. In Uganda, nine cases have been confirmed.

Outside of the Ebola outbreak, people living in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces in DRC are already facing a humanitarian crisis. The provinces are affected by violence, displacement, chronic poverty, and weak infrastructure. These elements place strain on health facilities and hinder surveillance, contact tracing, and timely treatment — the main pillars of an effective response.

What is the Bundibugyo strain and are there treatments and vaccines?

“Ebola disease” is a disease caused by any virus within the genus of Orthoebolavirus. We are not dealing with a strain of Ebola, but a virus. Bundibugyo virus is among the three well-known species: Ebola (or Zaire) virus, Sudan virus, and Bundibugyo virus.

This is the third detected outbreak involving the Bundibugyo virus, following outbreaks in Uganda in 2007-2008 and in DRC in 2012.

There are no approved vaccines or treatments available for Bundibugyo virus and those which have been developed for Ebola virus have not been approved for Bundibugyo. Diagnosing people is also challenging for Bundibugyo virus; tools, such as GeneXpert – an automated, cartridge-based molecular diagnostic system – developed for Ebola virus cannot be used. Conventional PCR testing, which is more cumbersome and requires a higher level of training to use, is needed, however there is currently a shortage of the test kits specific to Bundibugyo virus.

Why are experts concerned about the 2026 Ebola outbreak?

One of our biggest concerns is that we do not know the full picture of the outbreak, due to a lack of diagnostics and underreporting of cases. Cases began weeks ago, and today the epidemiological situation is unclear and moving fast.

The affected areas in DRC are also highly insecure. People are moving across the borders with Uganda and South Sudan, driven by conflict and mining activities, which may accelerate transmission and complicate efforts to contain the outbreak. Health facilities are also under immense strain, and may not have adequate infection prevention and control measures to manage Ebola cases

Is MSF experienced in responding to Ebola outbreaks?

MSF has vast experience responding to Ebola disease outbreaks. We have been an active partner in many Ebola responses, including the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa. We also have experience with Ebola caused by Bundibugyo virus, having responded to outbreaks in 2007 and 2012.