KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Ebola in DR Congo has expanded into the nation’s most extensive epidemic on record. By July 30, officials confirmed 3,605 cases, including 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate reached 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, health teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths. These figures represent the highest weekly totals since the outbreak’s start and indicate ongoing virus transmission.
The outbreak now affects 49 health zones spanning five provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. In the latest seven-day window, active transmission was reported in 33 zones. They recorded 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the primary hotspot, with 3,176 infections, accounting for 88% of the total cases nationally. Bunia reported the highest local caseload, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde.
World Health Organization assesses the internal risk in DR Congo as very high. It also considers the danger to Uganda and other neighboring nations as high. Conversely, the threat to the broader African region and globally is deemed low. Ongoing armed conflict, displacement, and frequent population movements continue to hinder efforts to control the disease. Health response teams face challenges like damaged infrastructure, staff shortages, and limited access to certain communities.
Health teams boost contact tracing and patient care efforts
Authorities in DR Congo have identified 17,863 contacts in the five affected provinces. Response teams actively monitor 13,455 of these individuals. Thousands remain outside routine tracking. So far, 151 health workers have been infected. Forty-four have died, while 68 have recovered. Efforts include expanding testing, providing treatment, enforcing infection control, and community outreach. Support for safe burials, transport, supplies, and public education continues in affected areas.
Bundibugyo Ebola spreads mainly through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated objects. Symptoms usually emerge between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients are not contagious before symptoms appear. Early signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials are critical to limiting transmission.
Border monitoring continues across neighboring countries
The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. The next day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a continental emergency. Uganda ended its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without local transmission. Despite this, authorities maintain heightened surveillance because many people cross the border with eastern DR Congo. Screening, lab readiness, and preparedness measures are still active in bordering areas.
As of July 30, total confirmed cases across all affected countries reached 3,626, with 1,589 deaths. DR Congo reported 3,605 cases. Uganda confirmed 20 cases, and France had one. Recoveries included at least 651 patients in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in DR Congo were treated in Germany. Most infections and fatalities are still concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where teams continue surveillance, treatment, and community response efforts.