KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has escalated into the nation’s largest ever, with authorities confirming a total of 3,605 cases by July 30, including 1,587 fatalities, resulting in a case fatality rate of 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, health teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly counts since the outbreak’s onset and indicating ongoing virus transmission.
This outbreak now affects 49 health zones spread across five provinces—Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo—with active transmission reported in 33 zones during the latest seven-day period. These zones have recorded 641 cases and 282 deaths, with Ituri remaining the epicenter, reporting 3,176 infections, which accounts for 88% of the national total. Bunia leads local case numbers, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde.
According to the World Health Organization, the risk level within DR Congo is classified as very high, and the threat to Uganda and neighboring nations is also deemed high, whereas the broader African region and global threat levels are considered low. Persistent armed conflict, displacement, and continual population movement are hampering efforts to contain the virus, while health teams face challenges such as damaged infrastructure, staffing shortages, and limited access to several affected communities.
Enhanced tracing and patient management efforts underway
Health authorities in DR Congo have identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces, with response teams actively tracking 13,455 individuals, leaving thousands unmonitored. The outbreak has impacted 151 health workers, resulting in 44 deaths, with another 68 having recovered. Authorities continue to expand testing, improve patient care, implement infection control measures, and conduct community outreach initiatives, including supporting safe burials, providing transport, delivering supplies, and disseminating information in regions experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola spreads mainly through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials, with symptoms potentially appearing between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients are not contagious prior to symptom onset. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, so rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burial practices remain critical tools to limit further spread.
Border monitoring and surveillance continue actively
The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issuing a continental emergency declaration the following day. Uganda concluded its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new local transmissions. Despite this, health officials maintain heightened surveillance due to frequent cross-border movement from eastern DR Congo, and screening, laboratory readiness, and preparedness measures remain in place in border areas linked to affected communities.
By July 30, authorities across all impacted countries confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths, with DR Congo accounting for 3,605 cases, Uganda reporting 20, and France recording one. Meanwhile, at least 651 patients recovered in DR Congo, and 18 recovered in Uganda. Additionally, two patients in DR Congo were diagnosed before receiving treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities continue to be concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where teams persist with surveillance, treatment, and community response efforts.