KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has become the nation’s most widespread on record. As of July 30, health officials reported 3,605 confirmed cases, resulting in 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate reached 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s inception. This increase has intensified pressure on surveillance, treatment efforts, and community response initiatives.
Currently, cases are present in 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. In the latest seven-day window, 33 zones reported ongoing transmission, with 641 cases and 282 deaths recorded. Ituri remains at the epicenter, accounting for 3,176 infections, or 88% of the national total. Bunia has the highest number of cases, while Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde also report significant figures as health teams intensify contact tracing and testing activities.
The World Health Organization classifies the risk within DR Congo as very high. It also assesses the threat level for Uganda and other neighboring countries as high. Meanwhile, the overall risk in Africa and globally remains low. Persistent conflict, displacement, and continuous population movement hamper efforts to contain the disease. Response teams face additional challenges due to damaged healthcare facilities, staffing shortages, and restricted access to certain communities, complicating contact tracing, patient transportation, and the distribution of vital supplies.
Contact tracing efforts fall behind needs
Authorities have identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Of these, 13,455 are under active monitoring, leaving thousands outside regular follow-up. The outbreak has infected 151 healthcare workers and resulted in 44 deaths, while another 68 healthcare workers have recovered. The government, alongside its partners, continues to reinforce laboratory testing, patient treatment, and infection prevention measures. They also support logistics, safe burial practices, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach where transmission persists.
Bundibugyo virus disease transmits through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, tissues, or contaminated materials. Symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure, with patients not transmitting the virus prior to symptom onset. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain. Rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials remain the primary methods to limit its spread.
Regional health agencies remain on alert
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international public health emergency. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a continental emergency declaration. Uganda ended its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without local transmission. Despite this, authorities maintain heightened surveillance because individuals continue crossing the border from eastern DR Congo. Screening, preparedness, and laboratory testing measures persist in areas linked to affected communities.
By July 30, authorities across all impacted countries confirmed a total of 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. In DR Congo alone, there were 3,605 cases, with Uganda reporting 20 and France one. At least 651 patients recovered in DR Congo, while 18 recovered in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams continue active surveillance, clinical care, and community response efforts.