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Main Category Healthcare & Life Sciences Subcategory Pharmaceuticals + Clinical Research

Global Snapshot of Active Disease Outbreaks: Bundibugyo-virus Ebola in DRC and More

  1. Global Snapshot of Active Disease Outbreaks

Global Snapshot of Active Disease Outbreaks

This press release provides a comprehensive overview of the most consequential active outbreaks globally, emphasizing the severity of the Bundibugyo-virus Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It highlights the need for international coordination and vigilance in managing these outbreaks, which could significantly impact global health and media coverage.

Key Outbreaks

Bundibugyo-virus Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The most consequential active outbreak is the Bundibugyo-virus Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with associated cases in Uganda, France, and Germany. As of 12 August, 4,686 confirmed cases and 2,186 deaths have been reported, with an overall crude case-fatality ratio of 46.8%. The event remains an acute international health emergency.

Mpox

The multi-country mpox situation remains active, with the widening geographic detection of clade Ib. Recent surveillance identified the first two confirmed clade Ib cases in Costa Rica and a first clade Ib case in Ghana. Control priorities remain rapid diagnosis and sequencing, case isolation and clinical care, contact notification, targeted vaccination, and travel-linked surveillance.

Measles in the Americas

Measles is active in the Region of the Americas, with ongoing regional concern. PAHO issued an epidemiological alert on 7 August, indicating a need to maintain high population immunity and sensitive surveillance. Earlier 2026 reporting documented 1,031 additional confirmed cases in the first three weeks across seven countries.

Yellow Fever in South America

Yellow fever is actively transmitted in South America, with sustained transmission beyond traditional Amazon-basin hotspots in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. During the first seven weeks of 2026, 34 human cases and 15 deaths were confirmed across those countries.

Other Notable Outbreaks

Other ongoing risks include mpox, cholera, meningitis-belt epidemics, vector-borne outbreaks, and foodborne outbreaks. Agency reporting reviewed in the past seven days includes ECDC’s 8–14 August threat report and PAHO’s 7 August measles alert. China CDC reported an inhalational anthrax investigation, whereas India NCDC’s public materials did not show a new outbreak-specific notice during this period.