On 18 August 2026, an Emergency Committee met to reassess the Bundibugyo virus epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Director-General issued updated recommendations following International Health Regulations. These guidelines provide more detailed guidance on surveillance, case detection, infection prevention, clinical care, and risk communication than earlier versions. A new section addresses social measures and mobility restrictions. The outbreak involves BDBV, a virus belonging to the Orthoebolavirus genus, for which no approved vaccines or therapeutics currently exist, though clinical trials are ongoing.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces very high public health risk according to WHO. Recommended actions include establishing health emergency operations under national leadership and deploying dedicated treatment centers. Authorities must negotiate and establish security corridors for responders and patients to access healthcare safely. Risk communication through trusted local leaders and survivors is essential for public acceptance of control measures. Countries with community transmission must monitor contacts daily for 21 days after exposure. They must also use safe burial protocols that respect cultural practices.