UNICEF Democratic Republic of the Congo Humanitarian Situation Report No. 4 – Ebola Outbreak (Bundibugyo Virus), 30 September

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION UPDATE

Between 1 and 30 September 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported 2,050 additional confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) cases and 979 deaths. As of 30 September, cumulative confirmed cases had reached 8,300, including 4,018 deaths, corresponding to a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 48.4 per cent. The outbreak continued to expand geographically, with confirmed cases reported for the first time in Sud-Ubangi Province, bringing the number of affected provinces to seven (Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, Bas-Uélé and South-Ubangi).

During September, an additional three health zones reported confirmed cases, increasing the total to 63 affected health zones, representing 37.7 per cent of the country's 167 health zones. 16 health zones across North Kivu, Ituri and Haut-Uélé provinces were identified as Ebola hotspots, highlighting the scale of transmission and the need for increased prevention, surveillance and response measures. UNICEF maintained an operational presence across all 16 hotspot health zones, delivering services in support of the Ebola response.

The outbreak is now the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the DRC and the second largest globally. Ituri province remains the epicentre, accounting for 75.8 per cent of all confirmed cases 6,293 cases and 2,902 deaths, followed by North Kivu 1,601 cases and 950 deaths and Haut-Uélé 346 cases and 144 deaths. Transmission also continued in Tshopo, Bas-Uélé, South Kivu and South-Ubangi. Women and girls represent approximately 53.4 per cent of reported confirmed cases.

Children aged 17 years and below account for approximately 27.4 per cent of confirmed cases and 37.6 per cent of reported deaths, indicating a disproportionate mortality burden among children. Children under five bear the greatest burden, representing approximately 63.8 per cent of deaths among children aged 17 years and below.

During September, 16 health workers were identified among confirmed cases reported during the month, underscoring ongoing risks to frontline responders.

Based on reporting by RELIEFWEB