BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization reported that 80% of new Ebola infections in eastern Congo originate from unidentified transmission networks. The majority of patients were not listed on contact tracing lists prior to testing confirming their infection. This gap hampers early isolation efforts and delays treatment for symptomatic individuals. Response teams often identify new clusters only after patients seek care at clinics or succumb within their communities. The outbreak involves the less common Bundibugyo virus strain.
As of July 13, Congo reported a total of 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 deaths. Ituri province remains the epicenter, with 1,808 cases and 631 fatalities. North Kivu has documented 182 cases and 106 deaths. Additional cases have been recorded in South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Authorities have placed 753 patients in isolation and noted 366 recoveries. Approximately 67% of contacts identified in the most affected regions are under active surveillance by response teams.
Tracing contacts is crucial for health workers to identify exposed individuals before they can further transmit the virus. Monitoring typically continues for 21 days following the last known exposure. WHO reports that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths up to July 5 occurred outside healthcare facilities or prior to hospital admission. Such deaths reduce opportunities for early testing and isolation. Ebola transmits through direct contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids, and contaminated objects can also serve as transmission sources.
Five provinces report confirmed cases
The outbreak has spread to 45 health zones across five provinces. In Ituri, cases have been reported in 26 zones, while North Kivu has 11 infected zones. Haut-Uele has 14 cases and 13 deaths, Tshopo four cases and three deaths, and South Kivu three cases with one death. The widespread distribution has increased demands on laboratories, treatment facilities, and mobile surveillance teams.
In Uganda, 20 cases and two deaths had been confirmed by July 14. Seventeen patients recovered, and the latest confirmed case was identified on June 21. Of the infections, 15 had links to travel from Congo, while five were associated with local transmission events. Ugandan health authorities reported no documented community spread and continued monitoring of travelers and aid workers leaving affected areas during the outbreak.
Testing capabilities and clinical interventions expand
There is no licensed vaccine or approved treatment specifically for Bundibugyo virus. Medical teams focus on supportive care, including fluids, oxygen, and electrolyte replacement. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for the virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. Currently, ten laboratories support testing efforts across the affected area, with a combined capacity of over 2,000 tests per day. Researchers have also initiated a clinical trial involving remdesivir and the antibody therapy MBP134.
The government of Congo, WHO, and Africa CDC continue to coordinate efforts in surveillance, testing, treatment, safe burials, and community outreach. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent movement in mining regions hinder access to some communities. Strikes among health workers have also impacted response activities. WHO has received roughly 40% of its $115 million funding appeal. Authorities remain focused on accelerating case detection, as most new infections occur outside established transmission chains.