GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across multiple eastern provinces. The majority of fatalities have occurred outside medical facilities and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of deaths happened within communities. Confirmed case numbers also increased by about 70% over the past two weeks. Health authorities have been recording over 40 new infections daily, as ongoing conflict and displacement hinder access to healthcare services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across affected nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two fatalities. France identified one imported case connected to the outbreak. A minimum of 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in Congo received treatment later in Germany.
The outbreak has impacted 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the past 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the primary hotspot, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections, and also representing over 83% of total deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu recorded the highest case numbers within Ituri. Many affected communities are connected through major roads and cross-border routes to larger population centers.
Community fatalities hinder detection and treatment efforts
The International Organization for Migration highlighted that insecurity and repeated displacement are hampering diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing efforts. Limited access has left some communities without reliable screening or referral options. The organization supports sites accommodating nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate efforts to monitor exposed residents. The agency also assists with surveillance at border crossings and along transport routes, including areas along the Congo River.
By July 15, Congolese health teams had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 health workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus-related Ebola. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased individuals.
Uganda begins intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This marked the start of a 42-day heightened surveillance period. Authorities can declare the outbreak over if no new cases emerge during this time. Officials found no evidence of ongoing community transmission. The cases in Uganda involved cross-border movement and healthcare-related exposures. France reported no secondary transmissions following the recovery and hospital discharge of its imported patient on July 4.
Concurrently, the Congolese government, WHO, and partner agencies continue testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach. Efforts also focus on safe burials and enhancing infection prevention within healthcare facilities. WHO classifies the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring nations. The global risk remains considered low. No travel or trade restrictions have been recommended. Response teams persist with cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring in areas at high risk and affected zones.