The World Health Organization (WHO) says Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus has spread to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria, prompting calls for stronger regional surveillance and a coordinated response.
In a statement on Friday, the organisation said that, as of Oct. 20, the DRC had recorded 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths across 66 health zones in eight provinces. The crude case fatality ratio was 48.3 per cent.
The WHO said transmission remained high in the DRC, while deaths in communities highlighted ongoing challenges with early detection and timely access to appropriate medical care.
“Of the 482 deaths recorded since the previous update on Oct. 8, 307 occurred in communities, while 175 were reported in treatment centres.
“Kenya has reported nine Bundibugyo virus disease cases, including one death, following confirmation of its first imported case on Oct. 6. The patient had travelled from the DRC through Uganda.
“The eight additional cases in Kenya were identified as known contacts of the initial imported case. As of Oct. 20, 2026, there was no evidence of wider community transmission.
“Nigeria also confirmed an imported case on Oct. 20 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The patient had travelled from Uganda and was receiving medical care in isolation,” the statement said.
The WHO said investigations were continuing to establish the patient’s full travel history and possible source of exposure. It urged regional authorities to maintain preparedness and strengthen cross-border surveillance.
The organisation stressed the importance of monitoring points of entry, detecting cases promptly and coordinating preparedness and response measures across affected and at-risk countries.
The WHO advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions on affected countries, emphasising sustained public health measures and regional cooperation in responding to the outbreak.
