GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – World Health Organization urges a significant boost in the Ebola response efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that health teams have yet to trace all chains of transmission. As of Sept. 1, the latest government data indicates Congo has reported 6,250 confirmed cases and 3,039 deaths. The current Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak now impacts 60 health zones across six provinces.
This outbreak has become Congo’s most extensive and deadly Ebola epidemic on record, ranking as the second-largest globally after the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for approximately 85% of cases and 88% of fatalities. Tedros pointed out that many deaths involve individuals not listed as known contacts, revealing ongoing gaps in identifying transmission chains.
Continued community deaths and unsafe burial practices significantly hinder containment efforts. According to Africa CDC, over 60% of fatalities during the recent seven-day period occurred within communities. Health officials have also reported delays in detecting infections and initiating treatment. The latest government figures show 1,439 recoveries and a case fatality rate of 48.6%, highlighting the severity of the Bundibugyo virus’s impact.
Active Transmission Persists Throughout Eastern Congo
Transmission remains ongoing in 51 health zones despite signs of declining case numbers in recent weeks. Four zones have reported no new cases for over 42 days and have successfully halted transmission. An additional five zones have experienced a period of between 21 and 42 days without new infections. Public health officials caution that these reductions are too recent to confirm that the outbreak is under control nationwide.
The WHO has increased testing, treatment efforts, and field support across affected regions. More than 330 tonnes of emergency supplies have been dispatched, and over 300 experts deployed. Laboratory capacity has grown from a single national reference lab to a network of 24 laboratories closer to affected communities. Daily testing capabilities now reach approximately 3,000 tests, while treatment and isolation facilities have expanded to over 1,300 beds in 49 centers.
Response Efforts Intensify as Outbreak Continues
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which currently lacks approved specific treatments or vaccines. Researchers are conducting therapeutic trials, and vaccine candidates targeting the Bundibugyo virus are undergoing safety assessments. Authorities maintain surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, clinical care, and safe burial operations. The response also emphasizes community engagement, as delayed detection and incomplete contact follow-up hinder efforts to identify infected individuals before further transmission occurs.
Congo announced the outbreak in Ituri province on May 15, following confirmation of infections linked to the Bundibugyo virus. Since then, the virus has spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, and Bas-Uélé provinces. Tedros emphasized that the response must expand until all transmission chains are identified and interrupted. Authorities remain focused on rapid detection, diligent contact follow-up, safe burials, laboratory diagnosis, and ensuring treatment access across affected communities.