GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across multiple eastern provinces. A majority of the fatalities have occurred outside hospitals and treatment facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of the deaths took place within communities. Confirmed cases have also increased by roughly 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials are documenting over 40 new cases daily, as conflict and displacement hinder access to medical services.
As of mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all affected regions. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there were 2,124 cases and 828 deaths reported by July 15. Uganda reported 20 confirmed instances and two fatalities. France identified one imported case connected to the outbreak. A minimum of 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The outbreak has impacted 46 health zones within Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. During the last 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of reported deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu are among the areas with the highest case counts in Ituri. Many affected communities are connected through major roads and cross-border routes to nearby population centers.
Community fatalities hinder detection and treatment efforts
The International Organization for Migration noted that insecurity and ongoing displacement are hampering efforts to diagnose, treat, and trace contacts. 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. The organization also aids in surveillance at border crossings and along transport routes, including areas along the Congo River.
By July 15, Congolese health teams had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams reached 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 health workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus-induced illness. Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased individuals.
Uganda Begins Enhanced Surveillance Phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This marks the start of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Authorities may declare the outbreak over once this period concludes without detecting additional cases. Ugandan officials found no signs of widespread community transmission. The cases involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary cases after its imported patient recovered and was discharged on July 4.
Congolese authorities, WHO, and partner agencies continue with testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach initiatives. Efforts also support safe burials and reinforce infection control measures within healthcare facilities. WHO assesses the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring nations. The global risk is considered low. No travel or trade restrictions have been recommended. Response teams persist in cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring within high-risk and affected zones.