SitRep 039

Report date 2026-06-22

Published

June 22, 2026

Caution

Machine translation from the French original with Google Gemini. No person has reviewed it.

Every number on this page was compared against the French transcription, and the page is published only if they match. The wording carries no such check. Before relying on any figure, read it in the original PDF.

Affected provinces (3) ITURI, NORD-KIVU & SUD-KIVU

Affected Health Zones (34)

• Ituri (22/36): Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Drodro, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba, Rwampara, Tchomia, Kambala, Nia-Nia and Fataki.

• Nord-Kivu (11/34): Beni, Butembo, Goma, Kalunguta, Katwa, Kyondo, Oicha, Masereka, Vuhovi, Mabalako and Musienene.

• Sud-Kivu (1/34): Miti-Murhesa

Reporting date 22 June 2026

Publication date 23 June 2026

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1. HIGHLIGHTS

• Forty-six (46) new confirmed cases including 10 deaths, were reported at the end of the day of 22 June 2026, in the provinces of Ituri (43 including 10 deaths) and Nord-Kivu (3 including 0 deaths).

These confirmed cases are distributed among the following health zones: Bunia (11), Rwampara (10), Mongbwalu (8), Nizi (4), Mangala (3), Lita (3), Logo (3) and Tchomia (1) in the province of Ituri and Beni (2), Katwa (1) in the province of Nord-Kivu.

• Three (3) patients suffering from Ebola virus disease in Ituri were declared cured after obtaining negative follow-up tests.

2. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND OPERATIONAL CONTEXT

The province of Ituri, located in the North-East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, shares a long and porous border with Uganda and South Sudan.

For more than two decades, it has been facing a chronic humanitarian crisis linked to armed conflicts and recurrent population displacements.

Its population is estimated at more than 8 million inhabitants, including more than one million internally displaced persons.

The Mongbwalu health zone, considered as the starting point of the outbreak, is located in the territory of Djugu 70 km from Bunia.

This zone is characterised by the presence of armed groups, frequent population movements towards Uganda, and numerous artisanal mining sites attracting migrant workers.

In September 2018, the province of Ituri had already been affected by the 10th MVE (Ebola virus disease) outbreak that was then raging in Nord-Kivu.

The current outbreak, due to Bundibugyo ebolavirus, was officially declared on 15 May 2026 by the Minister of Public Health.

The three affected provinces have a total population estimated at nearly 15 million inhabitants, with massive internal displacements and cross-border flows towards neighbouring countries.

[FIGURE: Figure 1. Chronology of events of the Ebola-Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.]

3. DETAILED EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

3.1 Spatial distribution and active hotspots as of 22 June 2026

Table 1. Distribution of confirmed cases and deaths by affected province as of 22 June 2026.
Province Confirmed cases Deaths (confirmed) Case fatality rate Affected health zones New confirmed cases (24h)
Ituri 997 226 22,7% 22 out of 36 (61,1 %) 43
Nord-Kivu 94 50 53,2% 11 out of 34 (32,3 %) 3
Sud-Kivu 3 1 33,3% 1 out of 34 (2,9 %) 0
Total 1094 277 25,3% 34 out of 104 (32,7 %) 46

No new health zone was affected at the end of the day of 22 June 2026.

The number of affected health zones remains at 34/104 (section 3.1).

Since 26 May 2026, the province of Sud-Kivu has recorded no confirmed cases, which suggests an absence of recent transmission.

However, active surveillance remains necessary.

3.2 Distribution by health zone (Cumulative as of 22/06/2026)

• Province of Ituri (997 cases): Bunia (296), Rwampara (225), Mongbwalu (237), Nyankunde (86), Nizi (30), Lita (24), Mangala (14), Bambu (14), Komanda (10), Tchomia (8), Kilo (7), Aungba (6), Logo (5), Damas (4), Rimba (3), Aru (3), Mambasa (2), Nia-Nia (2), Drodro (1), Gety (1), Kambala (1), and Fataki (1).

Seventeen (17) additional cases are awaiting precise breakdown by health zone in the province.

• Province of Nord-Kivu (94 cases): Katwa (32), Butembo (28), Beni (20), Oicha (3), Kyondo (3), Kalunguta (2), Musienene (2), Goma (1), Masereka (1), Vuhovi (1) and Mabalako (1).

• Province of Sud-Kivu (3 cases): Miti-Murhesa (3).

3.3 Temporal analysis:

An increasing number of confirmed cases is observed from one week to the next, reflecting continuous transmission of the disease in the community, although during epidemiological weeks 23 and 24, the number of cases appeared to be stable.

The intensification of public health actions regarding epidemiological and biological surveillance (decentralisation of diagnostic capacities) has contributed to early detection confirming continuous and increased community transmission.

[FIGURE: Number of confirmed cases by reporting week]

3.4 Epidemic mapping

[FIGURE: Figures 2 & 3. Spatialisation of confirmed MVE cases by affected health zones and in the three affected provinces as of 22 June 2026]

Table 2. Distribution of confirmed cases and deaths from Ebola virus disease by province and health zone (22 June 2026)
Province / Health zone Cumulative confirmed cases (n) Cumulative confirmed deaths (n) Case fatality rate (CFR, %)
ITURI 997 226 22,7%
Bunia 296 48 16,2%
Rwampara 225 37 16,4%
Mongbwalu 237 100 42,2%
Nyankunde 86 9 10,5%
Nizi 30 6 20,0%
Lita 24 6 25,0%
Komanda 10 3 30,0%
Bambu 14 2 14,3%
Kilo 7 1 14,3%
Mangala 14 6 42,9%
Tchomia 8 0 0,0%
Damas 4 0 0,0%
Aungba 6 2 33,3%
Rimba 3 0 0,0%
Aru 3 1 33,3%
Mambasa 2 1 50,0%
Logo 5 0 0,0%
Drodro 1 1 100,0%
Gety 1 0 0,0%
Kambala 1 1 100,0%
Nia-Nia 2 2 100,0%
Fataki 1 0 0,0%
Other zones not yet identified 17 0 0,0%
NORD-KIVU 94 50 53,2%
Butembo 28 13 46,4%
Katwa 32 19 59,4%
Beni 20 12 60,0%
Oicha 3 2 66,7%
Kalunguta 2 1 50,0%
Kyondo 3 1 33,3%
Goma 1 0 0,0%
Masereka 1 0 0,0%
Vuhovi 1 1 100,0%
Mabalako 1 0 0,0%
Musienene 2 1 50,0%
SUD-KIVU 3 1 33,3%
Miti-Murhesa 3 1 33,3%
TOTAL 1094 277 25,3%

Over the course of the last 24h, the epidemiological situation of the 17th Ebola Virus Disease (MVE) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues its progression, 46 new confirmed cases including 10 deaths were reported, bringing the cumulative total to 1 094 confirmed cases and 277 deaths, expressing an overall case fatality rate of 25,3%.

Provincial dynamics and concentration of cases

Approximately 91,1% of cases (n=997) and 81,6% of deaths (n=226), representing a case fatality rate of 22,7%, are concentrated in the province of Ituri, making it the absolute epicentre of the outbreak.

The most affected health zones are those of Bunia (296 cases), Mongbwalu (237 cases), Rwampara (225 cases) and hold 76,0% of all cases reported in this province.

In contrast, the ZS (health zone) of Bunia and Rwampara present moderate case fatality rates (16,2% and 16,4% respectively) while the Mongbwalu zone displays marked severity, with a case fatality rate of 42,2% (100 deaths for 237 cases), suggesting persistent challenges in early case management or access to care.

Furthermore, 17 additional cases have been reported in not yet identified health zones, without associated deaths, which could indicate a geographical expansion requiring strengthened investigation.

Severity of the outbreak in Nord-Kivu

A cumulative total of 94 confirmed cases and 50 deaths was reported in this province, representing a case fatality rate of 53,2 %.

The latter presents the most concerning profile in terms of severity, higher than the national average.

This high case fatality rate is driven by the health zones of Beni (60,0%), Katwa (59,4%) and Oicha (66,7%).

The Katwa health zone comes first in reporting in terms of number of cases (n=32), followed by the Butembo ZS (n=28) with a lower case fatality rate (46,4%).

A case fatality rate of 100% was exceptionally observed in the Vuhovi zone (with small numbers), expressing the dangerousness of the virus in this region and the necessity of an immediate clinical response.

4. RESPONSE ACTIONS BY PILLAR

4.1 Coordination

National / Ituri:

• Visit of the DG of INSP (National Institute of Public Health) to Nyankunde accompanied by a delegation of deputies from the province of Ituri to supervise and evaluate the care of patients: an ambulance was assigned to the health zone to address one of the gaps identified during a working session in this health zone.

• Holding of the coordination meeting and support to the response pillars.

The IM also met with the data management and SitRep drafting team to ensure the improvement of work within these teams.

4.2 Epidemiological surveillance

Table 3. Management of epidemiological alerts (24h) as of 22 June 2026
Indicator Ituri Nord-Kivu Sud-Kivu Total
Alerts reported 175 703 13 891
Alerts investigated 175 702 0 877
Investigation rate 100,0% 99,9% 0,0% 98,4%
Validated Living alerts 47 40 0 87
Validated Deceased alerts 14 30 0 44
Total suspected cases of the day 61 70 0 131

Over the course of the day of 22 June 2026, 891 alerts were reported across the three provinces, 877 (98,4%) were investigated, 131 suspected cases including 44 deaths were identified (Table 3).

Not all alerts reported in Sud-Kivu were investigated due to a lack of fuel for the field teams’ visits.

Table 4. Follow-up of contacts of confirmed cases as of 22 June 2026
Province Contacts under follow-up (n) Contacts seen (n) Follow-up rate (%)
Ituri 6 244 4 540 72,7%
Nord-Kivu 1 938* 1 387 71,6%
Sud-Kivu 96 96 100,0%
Total 8 278 6 023 72,8%

• Continuation of in-depth investigations and comprehensive listing and systematic follow-up of contacts around confirmed cases in the ZS (narratives of confirmed cases, number of contacts listed and followed up per case).

• 519 new contacts were listed, including 411 in 7 ZS of the province of Ituri and 108 in 5 ZS of the province of Nord-Kivu.

Update on points of control and points of entry (PoC/PoE) activities

• In Nord-Kivu: Four (4) alerts were notified at PoCs, including 2 in Makeke (Mabalako ZS), 1 in Mukulya and 1 at Mavivi airport (Beni ZS), all these alerts were invalidated.

• In Ituri: Two (2) alerts were notified, including 1 at the PoC FONER Mambasa (Mambasa ZS) and 1 at the Rubingu PoC (Boga ZS), all were validated but the suspects refused isolation for sample collection.

Table 5. Monitoring of indicators at Points of Entry and Points of Control (PoE/PoC), as of 22 June 2026
INDICATORS Ituri Nord-Kivu Overall
Proportion of PoC activated and PoE reinforced 85,5% (47/55) 92,3% (12/13) 86,8% (59/68)
Number of persons passing through PoE/PoC 82 504 48 419 130 923
% of travellers screened 98,0% 97,1% 97,7%
% of travellers having washed hands 96,1% 97,1% 97,0%
% of travellers sensitised 99,1% 97,1% 98,4%
Number of alerts notified 2 4 6
Number of validated living alerts 2 0 2
Number of lifeless bodies intercepted this day 0 0 0
Number of problem contacts intercepted this day 0 0 0
% of validated living alerts referred to the CT/CTE 0,0% 0,0% 0,0%
% of lifeless bodies swabbed 0,0% 0,0% 0,0%
Number of positive results of referred suspected cases 0 0 0

4.3. Laboratory

• Ituri: 100 samples collected and analysed (positivity 43,0%; n=43).

• Nord-Kivu: 73 new samples collected of which 65 were analysed and 3 returned positive for MVE (positivity 4,6%).

However, 8 samples are currently being analysed.

4.4. Infection Prevention and Control (PCI)

Ituri: Performance of 14/16 safe and dignified burials (EDS), with 2 postponements; decontamination of 6 households and 2 ESS in the Bunia ZS; start of training for 50 hygienists in the Bunia ZS; PCI (infection prevention and control) briefings and support provided to 60 providers in Bunia, Rwampara, Komanda and Nia-Nia; decontamination of one ESS in Mongbwalu following transfer of suspects; provision of PCI/WASH kits and inputs to Mambasa and Mongbwalu.

Nord-Kivu: Decontamination of 4 ESS around confirmed cases, including 2 in Katwa (CH JERUSALEM and CH MUTIRI) and 2 in Beni (CH Gracia and CH Ruwenzori); installation of two handwashing stations in Malepe and at the Central market of Beni; PCI scorecard evaluation of 10 ESS (7 in Beni, 1 in Katwa, 1 in Butembo and 1 in Kyondo): the average score is 44,3%; visit to BCZS Kyondo to conduct a situation assessment, activate the EDS team and prepare training for PCI supervisors and focal points; provision of PCI-Wash inputs to the Kyondo ZS consisting of pairs of household gloves, protective goggles, face shields, chlorine, etc.; follow-up and support for 57 priority ESS in the ZS of Beni, Butembo, Katwa, Kyondo, Goma and Karisimbi in order to raise the level of PCI; briefing of 202 healthcare providers from supported ESS on various PCI topics in the context of the MVE outbreak.

4.5 Holistic case management

• Three (3) patients suffering from Ebola virus disease were declared cured after obtaining negative follow-up results in Ituri.

• Continuation of nutritional monitoring of patients in the CTE (Ebola treatment centre)/CT (transit centre): 556 hot meals were served, including 80 to suspected cases, 76 to confirmed cases, 41 to accompanying persons and 359 to PPL (person released from treatment (discharged patient)).

Table 6. Movement of patients in healthcare facilities (CTE/CT/CI (isolation centre)) as of 22 June 2026
Indicator Ituri Nord-Kivu Sud-Kivu Overall
Patients in bed (D-1) 298 27 10 335
Total admissions (24h) 57 36 0 93
Discharges (24h) Deceased (Suspected/Conf.) 14 0 0 14
Discharges (24h) Non-cases 16 7 0 23
Discharges (24h) Cured 3 0 0 3
Discharges (24h) Absconded (Suspected/Conf.) 1 0 0 1
Discharges (24h) Transferred to HGR (general referral hospital) 0 0 0 0
Total discharges 34 7 0 41
Patients in isolation (End of D) 321 56 10 387
of which confirmed (NC+AC) 173 17 0 190
of which suspected 148 39 10 197
Overall bed occupancy rate 87,0% 54,4% 31,3% 76,8%

Mental health and psychosocial support activities

Table 7. Key indicators of mental health and psychosocial support activities as of 22 June 2026
KEY INDICATORS ITURI NORD-KIVU SUD-KIVU
New confirmed cases admitted to the CTE having received SMSPS (mental health and psychosocial support) interventions 2(11,1%) 1 (33,3%) 0
Confirmed cases undergoing follow-up having received SMSPS interventions 68 (38,9%) 2 (100,0%) 0
New suspected cases having received SMSPS interventions 11(17,7%) 7 (100,0%) 0
Suspected cases undergoing follow-up having received SMSPS interventions 50 (30,9%) 15 (100,0%) 0
Laboratory results having been announced 26 3 1
Of which positive 4 1 0
No. of Separated children in crèche having received SMSPS interventions 8(100,0%) 0,00% 0,00%
No. of Separated children in community having received SMSPS interventions 0 1 30
No. of accompanying persons at the CTE having received SMSPS interventions 29 22 4
No. of PPL having received SMSPS interventions 7 5 18
No. of household and community members having received SMSPS interventions 6 28 0
No. of EDS supported 0 3 0

4.6 Continuity of care

• Monitoring of drug supplies in ESS, with Rwampara having already distributed drugs and Bunia/Mongbwalu having received drugs and developed distribution plans.

4.7 Risk communication and community engagement

Ituri: Continuation of Day 2 of the CREC training workshop for multisectoral actors of the Province of Ituri.

Then, presentation on HCD (Human Centred Design) or the human-centred approach; 2 048 people reached during educational talks across 263 households in the Nyankunde ZS.

Nord-Kivu: Briefing of 49 community leaders from the Makasi, Katsya and Vulindi AS (health area) on risk communication, alert reporting and community engagement in the fight against MVE; 9 722 people sensitised in community and health facilities on MVE prevention and rumour management in the health zones of Goma, Karisimbi, Nyiragongo and Katwa, contributing to improving community knowledge and strengthening acceptance of response interventions; 17 community alerts reported by 10 community actors; 12 representatives of civil society organisations (7 women and 5 men) had their capacities strengthened on MVE, in order to support sensitisation activities, early alert detection and community engagement in affected areas; 1 rumour collected, 1 community feedback clarified and 18 local radio stations mobilised with 3 communication formats produced and broadcast.

4.8. Logistics

• Holding of the logistics pillar meeting with partners at the PAM warehouse for the organisation of monitoring inputs coming in and going out.

• Delivery of PCI inputs and drugs to the ZS of Logo, Aru and Mongbwalu;

• Reception of PCI and PEC inputs by WHO.

• Thirty-one (31) vehicles and two (2) ambulances were made available to the various pillars for operational mobility.

• Fuel supply for response vehicles.

4.9. Security

• The security situation remains calm but unpredictable in Bunia and surroundings.

4.10. PSEA (Prevention against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse)

• Continuation of briefings for actors, community sensitisation on sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, as well as signing of codes of conduct.

• Ituri: 119 people briefed (33 women and 86 men), including 57 members of CREC in Bunia, 56 healthcare staff from the CTE CME Nyankunde in the Rwampara ZS and 6 drivers of WHO rental vehicles; Routine activities included holding pillar meetings and coordination with PSEA partners.

5. MAIN CHALLENGES, IMPACTS AND REQUIRED ACTIONS

No. Challenges Impact Required actions
1 Reluctance towards post-mortem sampling (EDS / swabs) and community resistance Confirmation delay, underestimation of cases, disruption of key activities Intensify CREC, involvement of religious and community leaders, strengthening team security
2 Insufficient capacity in CTE and saturation in Ituri (87,0%) Admission delays, increased risk of nosocomial transmission Accelerate construction and expansion of CTEs, deploy additional temporary structures
3 Low performance of contact tracing (72,8% vs target 95%) Unbroken transmission chains Train, deploy and motivate community health workers (RECO), strengthened supervision
4 Low alert reporting in certain affected ZS Undetected transmission, silent expansion of the outbreak Strengthen community surveillance, improve reporting and rapid investigation of alerts
5 Unlocated or unclassified confirmed cases (17 cases) Major gaps in reconstructing transmission chains Conduct data reconciliation, remove possible duplicates, and reclassify or specify health zone and status (deaths, cured, active, etc.) Active field verification
6 Insufficient supply of essential generic medicines (MEG) and medical inputs Weakening of overall case management Advocacy and urgent supply of essential medicines
7 Insufficient PCI inputs (PPE, chlorine) and limited training High risk of nosocomial infections (78 HCW cases including 18 deaths, case fatality rate 23,1%) Urgent supply, strengthening of PCI training
8 Stock of samples not yet analysed (backlog) at the laboratory in Nord-Kivu and delayed diagnosis Confirmation delay, high case fatality rate (53,2%) Deploy a laboratory catch-up plan, strengthen diagnostic capacities
9 Insufficient ambulances and isolation facilities (gap of 20 centres) Transfer and isolation delays, increased risk of transmission Urgent deployment of logistical resources and additional infrastructure
10 Insufficient coordination and low use of COUSP (public health emergency operations centre) frameworks Operational inefficiency and delayed decisions Strengthen coordination mechanisms at all levels, operationalise provincial COUSPs
11 Insufficient financial resources (gap 20 million USD) Limitation in the implementation of all response pillars Urgent resource mobilisation, advocacy with partners
12 Insecurity and limited access (CODECO, ADF) Restriction of operations, limited access to high-risk areas Strengthening of security coordination and humanitarian access
13 Continuity of essential health services (CEHS) compromised Increase in indirect mortality (non-Ebola) Effective implementation of free healthcare, strengthening CEHS
14 High population mobility High risk of rapid geographical expansion Strengthen surveillance at PoE/PoC and cross-border coordination

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FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

For the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) of the DRC

The Director General of the INSP

Dr MWAMBA KAZADI Dieudonné

Email: dieudonne.mwamba@insp.cd

Tel.: +243 816 040 145

The COU-SP Coordinator

Prof NGANDU Christian

Email: Christian.ngandu@insp.cd

Tel.: +243998091915

The Incident Manager

Prof Pierre AKILIMALI

Email: pierre.akilimali@insp.cd

Tel.: +243815800288

With technical support from the World Health Organization (OMS) and Africa CDC

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