KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has reached the highest level ever recorded in the country. Health officials reported 3,605 confirmed cases as of July 30, with 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths. These figures represent the highest weekly totals since the outbreak’s inception, adding increased strain to efforts in surveillance, treatment, and community engagement.
Currently, cases are spread across 49 health zones within 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 recorded. Ituri remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 3,176 infections, which is 88% of the total cases in the country. Bunia reported the highest number of cases. Additionally, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde have also seen significant numbers as health teams intensify tracing and testing efforts.
The World Health Organization classifies the risk within DR Congo as very high. It also considers the threat to Uganda and neighboring nations as high. Meanwhile, the overall risk at the regional and global levels remains low. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and frequent population movements hinder efforts to control the disease. Response teams face additional obstacles, including damaged infrastructure, staffing shortages, and limited access to certain communities. These conditions have complicated contact tracing, transportation of patients, and the distribution of vital supplies.
Contact Tracing Efforts Are Falling Short
Authorities have identified a total of 17,863 contacts across five affected provinces. Of these, 13,455 are under active monitoring, leaving thousands without regular follow-up. The outbreak has infected 151 health workers and caused 44 deaths. Additionally, 68 health workers have recovered. The government, alongside partners, continues to enhance laboratory testing, patient care, and infection prevention measures. They are also supporting logistics, safe burial practices, public information campaigns, and outreach activities in communities experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo virus disease spreads primarily through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically develop between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients do not transmit the virus prior to showing symptoms. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain. Rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials remain the main strategies to limit the spread of the disease.
Regional Agencies Continue Vigilant Monitoring
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international public health emergency. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also issued a continental emergency declaration. Uganda managed to end its local outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new transmissions. Despite this, authorities maintain heightened surveillance because of ongoing cross-border movement with eastern DR Congo. Measures such as screening, preparedness, and laboratory testing are kept in place in areas linked to affected communities.
By July 30, authorities in all affected countries had confirmed 3,626 cases and recorded 1,589 deaths. Of these, DR Congo accounted for 3,605 cases, Uganda reported 20, and France confirmed one case. Recovery data shows at least 651 patients recovered in DR Congo, with 18 recovered in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. Most of the cases and fatalities are concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams continue active surveillance, clinical care, and community response initiatives.