The Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus has reached 915 confirmed cases and 210 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).The situation remains serious, with ongoing transmission reported in eastern DRC. Ituri Province continues to be the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for the majority of confirmed cases in the country. The most affected health zones include Bunia, Mongbwalu, and Rwampara.North Kivu has reported fewer cases than Ituri but has recorded a higher case-fatality rate, particularly in Katwa and Beni. Health officials say this underscores the need for early detection, safe referrals, quality clinical care, and strengthened infection prevention and control measures.In Uganda, 19 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported to date. No new cases have been recorded since June 5, 2026.Community Mistrust Hindering Response EffortsAfrica CDC has identified several challenges hampering response efforts, including gaps in contact tracing, shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE)essential medical supplies, limited ambulance capacity, community concerns surrounding isolation, post-mortem testing, household decontamination."Communities are central to stopping this outbreak. The response will only succeed if people trust the information they receive, know where to seek care, and feel that response teams are working with them," Africa CDC said in a statement.WHO Warns Outbreak Is Spreading RapidlyMeanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) had warned that the outbreak is spreading rapidly, even as response measures are being intensified."The outbreak remains serious and is evolving very fast. However, I have seen a response that is growing stronger every day," said Marie-Roseline Belizaire, WHO Regional Emergencies Director for Africa, speaking to reporters in Bunia, the epicentre of the outbreak.The WHO estimates that at least 95 per cent of contacts must be traced to effectively contain the outbreak. As per Belizaire, contact tracing has improved to 75 per cent.Ebola Outbreak 3 Times Larger Africa CDC epidemiologist Dr. Wessam Mankoula said the outbreak is approximately three times larger than any previous Ebola outbreak at a similar stage, four weeks after a public health emergency declaration, AP News reported.Although the outbreak was officially declared on May 15, health officials believe the virus had been circulating undetected for some time beforehand, contributing to its wider spread.Another major concern is that the outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved antiviral treatments.Community mistrust of healthcare workers and public health officials, along with reliance on traditional beliefs and healers, is also complicating containment efforts.