The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded to a sixth province, Bas-Uélé, as health authorities report 62 new confirmed cases and 30 deaths over a single 24-hour reporting period ending in August 2026, according to Ministry of Health data. The escalating crisis now spans 55 health zones across six provinces, prompting humanitarian warnings that the epidemic is outpacing current containment efforts.
Bas-Uélé Province Records First Ebola Case
Bas-Uélé became the sixth province affected by the ongoing epidemic after health officials identified a fatal case in the provincial capital of Buta, according to an official from the National Institute for Biomedical Research cited by Reuters and Sowetan. The patient traveled from Isiro in Haut-Uélé province into Bas-Uélé before dying. Communications ministry reports noted that this new geographic spread raises immediate concerns regarding unmonitored contacts who may have contracted the virus.
Ituri Province Remains the Epicenter of the Outbreak
Ituri accounts for approximately two-thirds of the latest daily infections, driving an epidemic that the Ministry of Health designates as the fastest-growing on record. Out of 4,727 total confirmed cases and 2,214 deaths recorded from the epidemic’s start through August 13, 2026, Ituri represents 85.0% of cumulative confirmed cases. The province currently has 28 affected health zones out of 36, while North Kivu has 12, Haut-Uélé has six, Tshopo has seven, South Kivu has one, and Bas-Uélé has one out of its 11 health zones.
Did you know? According to Ministry of Health figures, the 30 deaths reported in a single 24-hour period comprise 14 community deaths and 16 deaths inside designated Ebola Treatment Centers.
Humanitarian Warnings and Early Transmission Timeline
UN humanitarian affairs chief Tom Fletcher warned that the virus is outpacing the regional response, stating that “Ebola is winning in the Democratic Republic of the Congo” and noting that the disease is killing one person every 30 minutes, according to United Nations statements. Reinforcing these concerns, Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya stated that the outbreak may have actually begun as early as February, several months prior to its official declaration in May, pointing to significant uncertainties regarding early community transmission.
Pro Tip: Stay informed on public health advisories by checking official updates from the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for verified regional travel and safety guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which new province was recently affected by the Ebola outbreak in the DRC?
Bas-Uélé became the sixth province affected by the outbreak after health officials confirmed a fatal case in the provincial capital of Buta, according to the communications ministry and Reuters.
What is the total number of cases and deaths recorded in the DRC epidemic?
From the start of the epidemic through August 13, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded 4,727 confirmed cases and 2,214 deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 46.8%, according to Ministry of Health reports.
Which region is currently serving as the epicenter of the virus?
Ituri remains the primary epicenter, accounting for 85.0% of cumulative confirmed cases and holding 28 of the 55 affected health zones across the country, as reported by health authorities.
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