Epidemiological toll continues to climb

With testing capacity increased at the end of May, the DRC Ministry of Health updated its figures. As of June 4, 2026, the official tally from the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in the Democratic Republic of Congo stands at:

• 381 confirmed cases;
• 64 confirmed deaths;
• 233 suspected patients currently in isolation.

In Uganda, the situation remains under watch with 19 reported cases and one death as of June 5.

MSF opens and rehabilitates Ebola treatment centers

To curb the spread of the Bundibugyo virus and break the transmission chain, MSF teams are tailoring their response in the hardest-hit areas.

In Bunia: A center expanding under patient influx

In Bunia, the center is experiencing overcrowding. On June 5, the facility held 37 suspected patients and 7 confirmed ones. Facing the risk of further spread, the center is expanding. “We are preparing a new plot and will double our capacity to reach 70 beds in a few days,” explains Anthony Kergosien, emergency coordinator in Bunia. If needed, the center can increase capacity to 100 beds.

In Goma: Rehabilitation of a historic center

In Goma, MSF has reopened a dedicated treatment center to isolate suspected cases and care for confirmed patients. The first admissions took place on May 28.

“This is a center that was used during previous outbreaks. Teams start by talking with patients, trying to reassure them about what will happen, explaining the care, the average length of stay, and the tests that will be done,” says Tathy Modjaka Nzoko, MSF medical activities supervisor in Goma.

Healthcare worker safety and community trust: Pillars of the response

Protecting medical staff against the virus

Medical personnel are equipped with personal protective gear to ensure effective protection against the Bundibugyo virus. The infectious dose of this virus is very low. “Just a few viral particles in the wrong place, like in the eyes or mouth, can trigger the disease.”

The primary goal of protective equipment is to keep the Ebola virus off the skin. “It must be waterproof because the virus arrives via bodily fluids. That’s especially critical because we don’t have the vaccines and treatments we usually have,” reports Armand Sprecher, emergency physician and epidemiologist for MSF.

Building trust with local communities

For patients to accept isolation quickly, explanation and awareness work are essential.

“Trust between MSF and the local population is important. People usually care for their families at home. But we need them to go immediately to a treatment center. The fact that with our gear we look like people from another planet can make them reluctant. So we explain why we wear this equipment, and that many of those wearing these suits are people they know,” says Armand Sprecher.

Transferring skills and training teams

To ensure a large-scale response, MSF focuses on sharing expertise. Specialized training is provided, including at a center in Belgium before teams depart for the field.

“In every Ebola outbreak, knowledge transfer is a big part of the response. There are people within MSF with a lot of outbreak experience. So we send people who know what they’re doing to the field, or who can train others,” says Armand Sprecher.

Je donne au Fonds d’urgence MSF

Understanding the Bundibugyo virus: Specifics of this outbreak

Unlike previous waves in the DRC, this outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus (part of the orthoebolavirus family, which also includes Zaire and Sudan viruses).

Although the case fatality rate of the Bundibugyo virus is lower than that of classic Ebola (ranging between 25 and 40%), the medical response faces a major challenge: there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for this specific virus.

MSF’s humanitarian work continues across the country

Hundreds of MSF professionals remain deployed in the affected areas of Ituri and North Kivu, while new care capacities are being organized in South Kivu. Each week, several tons of medical and logistical supplies continue to arrive in the DRC from our international centers to support the response.