BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization announced that 80% of recent Ebola cases in eastern Congo originate from unidentified transmission routes. These patients were not listed among contact tracing lists associated with previously confirmed infections. Health teams only identified many cases after symptoms, testing, or deaths sparked new alerts. WHO emphasized that the surveillance gap remains one of the most critical challenges in controlling the outbreak. The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola.
According to the latest national figures, Congolese health officials reported 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 fatalities as of July 13. The most recent daily update documented 54 new cases and 28 deaths. Authorities currently have 753 patients in isolation and 366 individuals who have recovered. Response teams are actively monitoring 67.4% of identified contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Contact follow-up usually continues for 21 days after the last known exposure.
Contact tracing is an essential tool for health workers to observe exposed individuals and facilitate prompt testing when symptoms appear. WHO noted that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths up to July 5 occurred either in communities or before hospital admission. This indicates delays in detection, referral, isolation, and access to medical care. Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. The disease can also be transmitted via contaminated objects or contact with someone who has died from the infection.
Outbreak Extends Across Five Provinces in Congo
Ituri remains the epicenter, with 1,808 confirmed cases and 631 deaths. The province has reported infections in 26 of its 36 health zones. North Kivu has documented 182 cases and 106 deaths across 11 zones. South Kivu reported three cases and one death. Haut-Uele reported 14 cases and 13 deaths, while Tshopo reported four cases and three deaths. In total, 45 out of 140 health zones across these five provinces have recorded infections.
Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by July 14, with 17 individuals recovered. The last confirmed case in Uganda was on June 21. Of these cases, 15 had links to Congo, and five involved local transmission. Authorities found no evidence of community transmission within Uganda. They also tracked imported cases involving travelers or aid workers leaving affected areas in Congo. These cases led to isolation, specialized treatment, and contact monitoring in the destination countries.
Enhanced Diagnostic and Treatment Efforts Underway
Bundibugyo virus currently has no licensed vaccine or approved specific treatment. Patient care centers on swift diagnosis, isolation, fluids, oxygen therapy, electrolyte management, and other supportive measures. WHO approved the first molecular diagnostic test for the virus on its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. This test detects viral genetic material in blood samples. Laboratory capacity has expanded to 10 sites across affected regions, with a combined testing capacity exceeding 2,000 tests daily. Researchers have also launched the PARTNERS trial to evaluate remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Coordination efforts among Congolese authorities, WHO, and Africa CDC include surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical care, safe burials, contact tracing, and community engagement. Response teams face challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and significant movement along mining and trade routes, which have hindered access to some communities and health facilities. WHO stated it has received approximately 40% of a $115 million appeal for the outbreak response. Authorities continue to focus on early detection and rapid isolation, as most new cases are still emerging outside known transmission chains.