Democratic Republic of the Congo Ebola outbreak: patients recover in Katwa

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, eight individuals left the Katwa Ebola Treatment Center (CTE) in Butembo on August 21, 2026. Among them were four patients declared recovered from Ebola and four others who tested negative after being admitted as suspected cases.

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus and has spread across six provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, South Kivu, and Bas-Uélé. As of August 19, 2026, 56 health zones out of 151 have been affected. To date, 37 patients have been declared recovered across the affected provinces, out of 1,152 total cases.

Health authorities and international partners, including the WHO, Africa CDC, and UNICEF, are coordinating the response. UNICEF recently provided 16 vehicles to reinforce decontamination logistics. Efforts such as the ‘Fleuve Congo Sans Ebola’ initiative aim to secure vital trade and movement corridors. Health officials are urging the public to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea to combat delays caused by rumors and fear.