GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across several eastern provinces. The majority of reported deaths have occurred outside hospital and treatment facility settings. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of fatalities took place within communities. Confirmed case numbers increased by roughly 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials are documenting over 40 new infections daily as ongoing conflict and displacement hinder access to healthcare 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 registered 20 confirmed cases and two fatalities. France reported a single imported case linked to the outbreak. At least 410 patients had 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 Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. During the previous 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the primary epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of reported deaths. The most affected areas within Ituri include Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. Many affected communities are connected through 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 displacement are hampering diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing efforts. Limited access to certain areas leaves some communities without reliable screening or referral services. The organization supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate the tracking of exposed residents. Additionally, surveillance efforts are maintained at border crossings and along transport routes, including regions along the Congo River.
By July 15, Congolese health teams identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response personnel reached 10,195 contacts through monitoring and on-site visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus-related Ebola. The disease transmits through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of individuals who have died from the illness.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance measures
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This marked the beginning of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Authorities may declare the outbreak over after this period if no further cases are confirmed. Officials found no evidence of ongoing community transmission. The cases involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and was discharged on July 4.
Concurrently, the Congolese government, WHO, and partner agencies continue testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health initiatives. Efforts also include supporting safe burials and reinforcing 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. The organization has not issued any travel or trade restrictions. Response teams remain active in cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring within high-risk and affected zones.