Epidemiological toll continues to rise

With testing capacity expanded in late May, the DRC Ministry of Health updated its figures. As of June 4, 2026, the INRB reported:

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

In Uganda, authorities are monitoring 19 reported cases with one death as of June 5.

MSF expands and reopens Ebola treatment centers

To curb Bundibugyo virus spread and break transmission chains, MSF teams are adapting responses in hardest-hit areas.

Bunia’s center expands amid patient surge

In Bunia, the treatment center is overwhelmed. By June 5, it housed 37 suspected and 7 confirmed patients. To mitigate risks, the facility is expanding. “We’re preparing a new plot and doubling capacity to reach 70 beds within days,” says Anthony Kergosien, MSF Emergency Coordinator in Bunia. If needed, the center can scale up to 100 beds.

Goma’s historic center reopens for patients

In Goma, MSF reopened a dedicated treatment center to isolate suspected cases and care for confirmed patients. First admissions began May 28.

“This is a facility used in past outbreaks. Teams begin by talking with patients, reassuring them about procedures, explaining average hospital stays and tests they’ll undergo,” says Tathy Modjaka Nzoko, MSF Medical Activity Manager in Goma.

Protecting healthcare workers and building community trust

Shielding medical staff from the virus

Healthcare workers wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure effective protection against Bundibugyo virus. The virus has a low infectious dose. “A few viral particles in the wrong place—eyes or mouth—can trigger illness,” explains Armand Sprecher, MSF Emergency Physician and Epidemiologist.

PPE’s primary role is to keep Ebola out. “It must be fluid-resistant since the virus spreads via bodily fluids. Especially critical as no vaccines or treatments are currently available,” he adds.

Earning community trust

Convincing patients to isolate early requires education and outreach. “Trust between MSF and local communities is vital. Families naturally care for loved ones at home, but we need them to come to treatment centers immediately. Our PPE can make us look like outsiders, which may deter them. We explain why we wear it and that many team members are locals,” says Sprecher.

Training teams and sharing expertise

To mount a robust response, MSF prioritizes knowledge transfer. Specialized training is conducted at a Belgium center before teams deploy. “Each Ebola outbreak reinforces the importance of knowledge sharing. Experienced staff train others or join field missions with hands-on expertise,” notes Sprecher.

Understanding Bundibugyo virus: key facts about this outbreak

Unlike prior waves in DRC, this outbreak stems from the Bundibugyo Ebola virus (an orthoebolavirus, like Zaïre and Sudan strains).

While Bundibugyo’s case fatality rate is lower than classic Ebola (25–40%), the response faces a major hurdle: no approved vaccines or treatments exist for this strain.

MSF’s humanitarian response continues nationwide

Hundreds of MSF staff remain deployed in Ituri and North-Kivu hotspots, with new care capacity being set up in South-Kivu. Weekly, several tons of medical and logistical supplies arrive in DRC from international hubs to support the intervention.