Epidemiological toll continues to rise

With increased testing capacity at the end of May, the DRC Ministry of Health updated its figures. As of June 4, 2026, the official count from the INRB in the Democratic Republic of Congo stands at:

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

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

MSF expands and reopens Ebola treatment centers

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

In Bunia: center expands amid patient surge

At Bunia’s center, overcrowding has become a pressing issue. By June 5, the facility housed 37 suspected and 7 confirmed patients. To mitigate risks of further spread, expansion is underway. « We’re clearing additional land and doubling capacity to reach 70 beds within days », explains Anthony Kergosien, Emergency Coordinator in Bunia. If needed, the center can scale up to 100 beds.

In Goma: reopening a historic treatment center

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

« This center was used during past outbreaks. Teams start by talking to patients, reassuring them about the process, explaining care protocols, average length of stay, and upcoming tests », says Tathy Modjaka Nzoko, MSF Medical Activity Manager in Goma.

Protecting healthcare workers and building community trust: the backbone of the response

Shielding medical staff from the virus

Medical personnel are equipped with personal protective gear to ensure effective defense against the Bundibugyo virus. This strain requires minimal exposure to trigger infection. « A few viral particles in the wrong place—eyes or mouth—can spark the disease », notes Armand Sprecher, MSF Emergency Physician and Epidemiologist.

The gear’s primary purpose is to keep the virus off the skin. « It must be fluid-resistant, since transmission occurs through bodily fluids. This is especially critical as we lack the usual vaccines and treatments », he adds.

Winning community trust

Convincing patients to isolate early hinges on clear communication and sensitization. « Trust between MSF and local communities is vital. People naturally care for their loved ones at home, but we need them to come to treatment centers immediately. The gear can make us seem like strangers from another world, which may deter them. We explain why we wear it and that many of our staff are familiar faces they know », Sprecher explains.

Training and knowledge transfer

To mount a large-scale response, MSF prioritizes expertise sharing. Specialized training is provided at a center in Belgium before teams deploy to the field. « Knowledge transfer is a cornerstone of every Ebola response. Within MSF, many members bring extensive epidemic response experience. We send those who know the terrain—or train others—to ensure rapid, effective action », Sprecher says.

Understanding the Bundibugyo virus: key facts about this outbreak

Unlike prior waves in the DRC, this outbreak stems from the Bundibugyo Ebola virus (part of the orthoebolavirus family, which includes Zaire and Sudan strains).

While the case fatality rate for Bundibugyo (25–40%) is lower than classic Ebola, the response faces a major hurdle: no approved vaccine or treatment exists for this strain.

MSF’s humanitarian mission expands across the country

Hundreds of MSF professionals remain deployed in Ituri and North Kivu, with new care capacities emerging in South Kivu. Each week, several tons of medical and logistical supplies arrive in the DRC from international hubs to bolster the intervention.