GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across multiple eastern provinces. The majority of reported deaths have occurred outside of hospitals and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration stated that roughly 60% of fatalities happened within communities. Confirmed cases also increased by approximately 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials reported more than 40 new infections daily as ongoing conflict and displacement hinder access to medical services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 deaths across all affected regions. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 fatalities. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. France identified one imported case linked to the outbreak. A minimum of 410 patients recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The outbreak has impacted 46 health zones within Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. During the previous 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of all confirmed infections, and over 83% of reported deaths. The towns of Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu experienced the highest case numbers within Ituri. Many affected communities are connected by major roads and cross-border routes to nearby population centers.
Community deaths hinder detection and treatment efforts
The International Organization for Migration highlighted that insecurity and repeated displacements are hampering diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing efforts. Restricted access in some areas leaves communities without reliable screening or referral services. The agency supports facilities hosting nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate efforts to monitor exposed residents. Additionally, the organization aids surveillance at border crossings and along transport routes, including regions 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 reached 10,195 contacts through active monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and resulted in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus-induced illness. Ebola transmission occurs via direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased patients.
Uganda begins intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its final Ebola patient on July 16. This marked the start of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Authorities can declare the outbreak over if no additional cases are detected during this time. Officials found no evidence of wider community transmission. The cases in Uganda involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and left hospital on July 4.
Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner agencies continue to conduct testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach activities. Efforts also focus on safe burials and strengthening infection control measures within health facilities. WHO assesses the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries, while the overall global risk remains low. The organization has not recommended travel or trade restrictions. Cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring persist in affected and high-risk areas.