GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of fatalities reported occurring outside health facilities. The International Organization for Migration indicated that approximately 60% of the deaths took place within communities. Additionally, there was around a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Healthcare systems were registering over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hampered access to medical care across the affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda had recorded 20 confirmed cases and two fatalities, while France reported a single imported case. Recovery figures showed at least 410 patients, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The total global count also included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo before receiving treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak had expanded to 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the past 21 days, 38 zones had reported cases. Ituri remained the outbreak’s epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of deaths. The districts of Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu recorded the highest case counts within the province. These five provinces include critical internal and cross-border transportation routes.
Community fatalities hinder outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are delaying early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles have obscured the full extent of virus transmission in some regions. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded conditions and frequent population movements complicate efforts for screening, contact tracing, and referral to treatment centers. The organization urged for enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health authorities had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has resulted in 119 infections among health workers and 36 deaths, with 61 workers having recovered. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last patient on July 16. This marked the start of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period, after which authorities can declare the outbreak over. Officials confirmed no community transmission within Uganda, with cases resulting from cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary cases following the recovery and discharge of its imported patient on July 4. Uganda had achieved 18 recoveries among its 20 confirmed cases.
Meanwhile, health authorities in DR Congo, WHO, and response teams continue efforts in surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. They are also supporting safe burial practices and infection prevention in healthcare facilities. WHO rates the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low globally. No travel or trade restrictions have been recommended based on current data. Continued cross-border preparedness, laboratory testing, and community outreach remain priorities in affected and at-risk areas.