GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across several eastern provinces. The majority of reported fatalities have occurred outside hospitals and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of deaths happened within communities. Confirmed case numbers also increased by about 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials were 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 the affected nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda accounted for 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. France identified one imported case linked 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, contributing nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of reported deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu saw the highest case counts within Ituri. Many affected communities are connected via 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 diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing efforts. Restricted access has left some communities without reliable screening or referral services. The agency manages sites housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate efforts to track exposed residents. The organization also supports 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 personnel reached 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and resulted in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus-related Ebola. The disease transmits through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased individuals.
Uganda begins intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This marked the start of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Authorities can declare the outbreak over after this time if no new cases emerge. Ugandan officials found no signs of wider community transmission. The country’s cases involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France reported no secondary infections after its imported patient recovered and left hospital on July 4.
Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner agencies continue testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach efforts. Teams also focus on safe burials and improving infection control within health facilities. WHO assesses the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring nations. The global risk remains low, and no travel or trade restrictions have been recommended. Response teams maintain cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring in affected and high-risk areas.