GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly grown across multiple eastern provinces. A significant portion of fatalities occurred outside hospital and treatment facility settings. The International Organization for Migration reported that roughly 60% of deaths happened within communities. Confirmed cases also increased by approximately 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials are recording more than 40 new infections 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 had 20 confirmed cases with two deaths. France reported a single imported case linked to the outbreak. At least 410 patients recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The outbreak has impacted 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. 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. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu reported 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 hampering timely diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing. Limited access to some areas prevents reliable screening or referral services. The agency supports sites accommodating nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate efforts to monitor exposed residents. Additionally, surveillance is maintained at border crossings and along transport routes, including the Congo River region.
By July 15, Congolese health teams identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams successfully reached 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 health workers, causing 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus-induced illness. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or the remains of those who died from the disease.
Uganda commences intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases following June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This initiated a 42-day period of enhanced surveillance. Authorities may declare the outbreak over after this period if no new cases emerge. Officials found no evidence of widespread community transmission. The cases in Uganda involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and was discharged on July 4.
Congolese officials, the World Health Organization, and partner organizations continue testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach efforts. They 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 countries, while the overall global risk remains low. Travel or trade restrictions have not been recommended. Cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring persist in affected and high-risk areas.