A rapidly growing Ebola outbreak is affecting communities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and has spread into neighboring Uganda. As of June 2026, 782 confirmed cases and 181 deaths have been reported across 31 health zones.. More than 1,000 cases have been reported, raising concerns about wider regional transmission and placing additional pressure on already fragile health systems. 

Contact tracing, a critical tool for stopping spread, is running at just 56.5%, far below the 95% target, leaving thousands of contacts unreached.

Children are among the most vulnerable, with those aged 14 and under more than twice as likely to die as older age groups. 

Save the Children is responding alongside local partners, governments and health authorities to help contain the outbreak, support affected families and protect children from its devastating impacts.

This outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, which presents unique challenges for health workers and communities. Unlike some previous Ebola outbreaks, there is currently no approved vaccine available for this strain, making prevention, surveillance and early treatment even more critical. 

The outbreak is also unfolding in areas affected by conflict, population displacement and limited access to healthcare. These conditions can make it harder to identify cases, trace contacts and reach families with lifesaving support, increasing the risk of further spread.

Detection was also delayed because samples had to be transported over 1,800 kilometers for testing. By the time the Bundibugyo strain was confirmed, it had already spread through communities, health facilities, and busy trade routes.

The first cases in the current outbreak are believed to have occurred in late April 2026 in Ituri Province. However, confirmation was delayed because samples had to be transported over 1,800 kilometers for testing.

During that time, the virus spread through: 

• Close contact with infected individuals
• Caregiving and health settings
• Burial practices 

Delayed detection allowed transmission to expand in both communities and health facilities. The virus has since spread to 31 health zones, with cases confirmed in Goma and a reported case in Uganda, raising concerns about regional transmission. 

Common symptoms of Ebola include: 

• Fever
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Weakness and muscle pain Internal and external bleeding 

Those most at risk include: 

• Health workers
• Family caregivers
• Children who depend on infected adults 

Women and girls are often disproportionately affected because they are more likely to care for sick relatives.

In places like DRC, Ebola doesn’t just threaten health—it disrupts every part of a child’s life. 

• In the current outbreak, children aged 14 and under are more than twice as likely to die as older age groups, often deteriorating rapidly without early identification and care.
• In past outbreaks, tens of thousands of children lost a parent or caregiver, and stigma and fear can lead to isolation and abandonment.
• Schools may close or become unsafe, causing great disruption to a child's education.

Save the Children's response includes dedicated child protection support, psychosocial services, and family reunification efforts.

The outbreak is occurring in parts of eastern DRC that have been affected by years of conflict and large-scale displacement. 5.6 million people, including 2.5 million children, have been forced from their homes in DRC, and many communities face limited access to healthcare, clean water and other essential services. 

Frequent movement between communities, insecurity, and challenges reaching remote areas make it harder to identify cases and stop transmission. These conditions also increase the burden on families already coping with multiple crises.

Save the Children is working across DRC and Uganda, having already reached 28,754 people (including 16,751 children) and supporting 62 health facilities with triage and isolation areas, essential supplies, and trained health workers. 

We are strengthening disease surveillance and contact tracing, providing infection prevention and control materials, delivering WASH support, and helping communities access trusted health information. Child protection services, mental health support, family reunification efforts, and nutrition programming are also underway. 

Save the Children's World Health Organization-accredited Emergency Health Unit has been deployed to support frontline response efforts and strengthen lifesaving healthcare services.

Responding to this outbreak is especially difficult because it is occurring in areas affected by conflict, displacement and weak health systems. Humanitarian organizations face challenges reaching some communities, while shortages of supplies and limited resources can slow response efforts. 

Contact tracing, which is essential for breaking transmission chains, is currently running at just 56.5% against a 95% target, leaving thousands of contacts unreached. Insecurity and community resistance are key factors limiting progress.

The absence of an approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain adds another layer of complexity. Misinformation, fear and community mistrust can also make it harder to identify cases and encourage people to seek care early. Continued support is essential to help stop the spread of Ebola and protect children and families from further harm.

Donations to the Ebola Crisis Relief Fund can help Save the Children provide lifesaving support to children and families affected by the Ebola outbreak. 

• $10 could provide soap and basic handwashing materials to help a family protect themselves from infection.
• $50 could purchase chlorine and cleaning materials to disinfect classrooms, health posts and water points.
• $1,000 could provide personal protective equipment for frontline health staff working in a community-based health center.

Every contribution helps strengthen the response and reach more children with the support they need.