GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of fatalities reported occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration indicated that roughly 60% of the deaths occurred within communities. Additionally, there was approximately a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health services are recording over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical care in affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France reported a single imported case. Recoveries totaled at least 410 patients, with 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The total global count includes two patients diagnosed in DR Congo before receiving treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak has affected 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the past 21 days, 38 zones reported cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of deaths. The largest case counts in the province are recorded in Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. These five provinces are key transit routes within the country and across borders.
Community fatalities hinder outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are delaying early detection and intervention. These obstacles make it difficult to understand the true extent of transmission in some areas. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded conditions and frequent population movements complicate screening, contact tracing, and referrals to treatment centers. The organization called for enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
As of July 15, health officials had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo for ongoing follow-up. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and resulted in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease. The virus transmits through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last patient on July 16. This marked the beginning of a 42-day period of heightened surveillance before authorities can officially declare the outbreak over. No community transmission has been detected in Uganda; cases have been linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions following the recovery and hospital discharge of its imported case on July 4. Uganda noted 18 recoveries out of its 20 confirmed cases.
Concurrently, Congolese health officials, WHO, and response partners continue efforts in surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. Support is also provided for safe burials and infection prevention in healthcare settings. WHO classifies the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low on a global scale. No travel or trade restrictions have been recommended based on current data. Response teams persist in strengthening cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing across all affected and at-risk regions.