BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization announced that 80% of recent Ebola cases in eastern Congo originate from unidentified transmission chains. These patients were not listed on contact tracing records tied to previously confirmed cases. Health teams only discovered many of these cases after symptoms, testing, or fatalities prompted new alerts. WHO emphasized that the surveillance gap remains among the most critical challenges in controlling the outbreak. The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola.
According to the latest national report, Congolese health officials confirmed 2,011 cases and 754 deaths as of July 13. The most recent daily update recorded 54 new cases and 28 fatalities. Authorities currently have 753 patients in isolation, with 366 individuals having recovered. Response teams are actively monitoring 67.4% of identified contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Contact follow-up is typically maintained for 21 days after the last potential exposure.
Contact tracing enables health workers to supervise exposed individuals and facilitate prompt testing when symptoms appear. WHO noted that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths through July 5 occurred either in communities or prior to hospital admission. This indicates delays in detection, referral, isolation, and access to healthcare. Ebola transmits mainly through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. The disease can also spread via contaminated objects or contact with someone who succumbed to the infection.
Outbreak Extends Across Five Congolese Provinces
Ituri continues to be the epicenter, with 1,808 confirmed cases and 631 deaths. The province has reported infections in 26 out of its 36 health zones. North Kivu has documented 182 cases and 106 deaths across 11 zones. South Kivu reported three cases and one death. Haut-Uele recorded 14 cases and 13 deaths, while Tshopo reported four cases and three deaths. Overall, 45 of the 140 health zones across these five provinces have reported infections.
By July 14, Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, with 17 recoveries. The country’s latest case was identified on June 21. Out of these, 15 cases had links to travel from Congo, while five involved local transmission. No documented community transmission was confirmed in Uganda. Authorities also monitored imported cases involving travelers or aid workers leaving affected areas in Congo. Such cases led to isolation, specialized treatment, and contact tracing in the destination countries.
Enhanced Diagnostics and Therapeutic Research Initiatives
Bundibugyo virus currently lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment. Patient care primarily involves rapid diagnosis, isolation, fluids, oxygen therapy, electrolyte management, and other supportive measures. WHO added its first molecular diagnostic test for this virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. This test detects viral genetic material in blood samples. Laboratory capacity has been expanded to 10 sites across affected regions, with a testing capacity exceeding 2,000 tests daily. Researchers have also launched the PARTNERS trial to evaluate remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Coordination efforts between Congolese authorities, WHO, and Africa CDC include surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical management, safe burials, contact tracing, and community engagement. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and high mobility due to mining and trade routes hinder access to some communities and health facilities. WHO reports that approximately 40% of a $115 million appeal for outbreak response has been received. Officials emphasize the importance of early detection and swift isolation, as most new cases occur outside known transmission chains.