DR Congo: No approved vaccine for Bundibugyo variant of Ebola say health authorities

By  News On Air   May 19, 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s health ministry today said the current outbreak of Ebola, first confirmed on Friday, is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare variant of the Ebola disease that has no approved therapeutics or vaccines.  The Ebola outbreak began several weeks ago, with the death toll now rising to 131. Public Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said 513 suspected cases and 131 deaths have been recorded in the affected areas. Cases have now been confirmed in Bunia, North Kivu’s rebel-held capital of Goma, Mongbwalu, Butembo, and Nyakunde. The outbreak has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization(WHO). Officials warn that the numbers are likely to increase as surveillance expands.