JOHANNESBURG – October 07, 2026 -- Roche Diagnostics has delivered two molecular testing instruments to the Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) to expand Ebola testing capacity in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as confirmed cases from the Bundibugyo virus outbreak reached 8,067 with 3,901 deaths as of September 28, 2026.
Case fatality rate hits 48.4% across 60 health zones
UN Health Authority data cited by Roche puts the outbreak's case fatality rate at 48.4% across six provinces, with the World Health Organization classifying the risk level in the DRC as very high and maintaining the event as a public health emergency of international concern.
Roche preconfigures Light Cycler and Magna Pure units for deployment to Bunia
The two instruments will be preconfigured by Roche and local laboratory technicians trained before the equipment is deployed to Bunia for validation testing. INSP, which supports the DRC Ministry of Health-led Ebola response, will conduct local validation of the Bundibugyo virus assay.
Delivery follows June rollout of Research Use Only PCR test
The instrument shipment builds on Roche's June 2026 announcement of a Research Use Only molecular PCR test targeting the Bundibugyo virus. Johan Descombes, General Manager for Francophone West Africa at Roche, said outbreak response depends on having the right testing capability available where it is needed, and that the partnership with INSP is an important step in expanding testing capacity for local responders.
Additional instruments and tests expected once validation clears
Roche anticipates deploying further instruments and expediting delivery of additional tests once validation of the Research Use Only assay is complete. The company said work continues alongside INSP and local laboratory teams to identify where further support is needed, both for the current outbreak and future pandemic preparedness.
WHO's temporary recommendations for the DRC call for strengthened surveillance, case detection and investigation as part of ongoing efforts to curb the outbreak.