KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has expanded into the nation’s most extensive epidemic to date. As of July 30, authorities confirmed a total of 3,605 cases, resulting in 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was calculated at 44%. In the most recent full reporting week, health teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak began and indicating ongoing viral transmission.
Currently, the outbreak affects 49 health zones within five provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the latest seven-day period, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, which recorded 641 cases and 282 fatalities. Ituri continues to be the epicenter with 3,176 infections, accounting for 88% of the total cases nationwide. Bunia reported the highest local case count, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde.
The World Health Organization classifies the risk within DR Congo as very high. It also considers the danger to Uganda and neighboring countries to be high. However, the organization assesses the threat level for the broader African continent and globally as low. Persistent armed conflict, displacement, and frequent population movements continue to hinder efforts to control the disease. Healthcare teams face challenges such as damaged infrastructure, shortages of personnel, and restricted access to several affected communities.
Expanded efforts in contact tracing and patient care
Health authorities in DR Congo have identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Response teams are actively monitoring 13,455 individuals, leaving thousands outside regular surveillance. The outbreak has impacted 151 healthcare workers, causing 44 deaths, while 68 have recovered. Authorities continue to scale up testing, clinical management, infection prevention measures, and community outreach. They also facilitate safe burials, transportation services, supply distribution, and public awareness initiatives in regions experiencing ongoing transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms can manifest anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure. Patients are not contagious before symptoms appear. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials remain the primary methods to limit the spread of the virus.
Border surveillance efforts continue
An international public health emergency was declared for the outbreak on May 17. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a continent-wide emergency declaration the following day. Uganda terminated its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without local transmission. Despite this, health authorities maintain heightened surveillance due to frequent border crossings between eastern DR Congo and Uganda. Screening, laboratory preparedness, and contingency measures remain active in border regions and communities affected by the outbreak.
By July 30, confirmed cases across all impacted nations totaled 3,626, with 1,589 deaths. DR Congo reported 3,605 cases, Uganda 20, and France one. Recovery figures include at least 651 patients in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients in DR Congo received diagnoses before being transferred for treatment in Germany. The majority of infections and fatalities are concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where surveillance, treatment, and community engagement continue to be prioritized.