KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has expanded into the largest epidemic ever recorded in the country. As of July 30, authorities confirmed a total of 3,605 cases, with 1,587 resulting in death. The case fatality rate was 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, health teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths. These figures represented the highest weekly totals since the outbreak’s start and indicated ongoing virus transmission.
Currently, the outbreak affects 49 health zones across five provinces, which include Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the latest seven-day period, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, with 641 new cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the primary hotspot with 3,176 infections, accounting for 88% of the national total. Bunia experienced the highest local caseload, 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 threat to Uganda and neighboring countries as high. However, the organization views the risk for the broader African region and globally as low. Ongoing armed conflict, population displacement, and frequent movement continue to hinder efforts to control the disease. Additionally, health teams face challenges due to damaged facilities, staffing shortages, and limited access to several communities affected by the outbreak.
Health teams intensify efforts in contact tracing and patient care
Authorities in DR Congo have identified 17,863 contacts across the five impacted provinces. Response teams are actively monitoring 13,455 individuals, leaving many outside regular surveillance efforts. The outbreak has infected 151 health workers and caused 44 deaths among them. Meanwhile, 68 health workers have recovered. Efforts to expand testing, provide patient care, enforce infection control measures, and conduct community outreach are ongoing. Support services such as safe burials, transportation, supply deliveries, and public information campaigns are also being carried out in high transmission zones.
Bundibugyo Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms may develop between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients do not spread the virus prior to showing symptoms. Early signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and a sore throat. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment available for the Bundibugyo strain. Rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials are the primary strategies to limit transmission.
Cross-border monitoring remains a priority in outbreak management
The outbreak was designated an international public health emergency on May 17. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a continental emergency declaration the following day. Uganda concluded its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without local transmission. Despite this, authorities continue enhanced surveillance because people frequently cross the border with eastern DR Congo. Screening, laboratory preparedness, and readiness measures remain active in border regions linked to affected communities.
By July 30, authorities across all impacted countries confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. DR Congo accounted for 3,605 cases, Uganda recorded 20, and France reported one. In total, at least 651 patients recovered in DR Congo, while 18 recovered in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities are concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where teams continue to conduct surveillance, treatment, and community response efforts.