GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across multiple eastern provinces. The majority of reported fatalities have occurred outside healthcare facilities and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of deaths happened within communities. Confirmed infections also increased by roughly 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials are recording over 40 new cases daily as ongoing conflict and displacement hinder access to medical services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all affected nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda noted 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. France reported one imported case linked to the outbreak. At least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The outbreak has affected 46 health zones within Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. During the past 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of reported deaths. The districts of Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu have the highest case counts within Ituri. Many affected communities are connected by major roads and cross-border routes to nearby population centers.
Community fatalities hinder detection and treatment efforts
The International Organization for Migration highlighted that insecurity and repeated displacements are impeding diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing. Limited access has left some communities without reliable screening or referral services. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate efforts to track exposed residents. Additionally, the organization maintains surveillance at border crossings and along transportation routes, including areas along the Congo River.
By July 15, Congolese health teams had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response personnel managed to reach 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and resulted in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus-induced Ebola. The virus transmits through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased individuals.
Uganda begins intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This marked the start of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Authorities can officially declare the outbreak over after this period if no new cases emerge. Officials found no evidence of widespread community transmission. The cases involved cross-border movements and healthcare-related exposures. France also reported no secondary cases following the recovery and hospital discharge of its imported patient on July 4.
Concurrently, Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner agencies continue efforts in testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health education. They also support safe burial practices and reinforce infection prevention measures within health facilities. WHO classifies the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries, but considers the global risk to be low. The organization has not advised restrictions on travel or trade. Response teams persist with cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring in areas at high risk or affected by the outbreak.