GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has accelerated, spreading rapidly through several eastern provinces. A significant portion of the fatalities have occurred outside healthcare facilities and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of the deaths happened within communities. Confirmed cases also increased by about 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials have been recording over 40 new cases daily, as ongoing conflict and displacement hinder access to medical services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization had documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across the affected nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda documented 20 confirmed infections and two deaths. France identified one imported case linked to the outbreak. A total of at least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The outbreak has impacted 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. In the past 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and more than 83% of reported deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu are the zones recording the highest case counts within Ituri. Many affected communities are connected by major roads and cross-border routes, facilitating movement among populations.
Community Deaths Hinder Detection and Medical Response
The International Organization for Migration highlighted that insecurity and repeated displacements are hampering timely diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing efforts. Limited access to certain areas means some communities lack reliable screening or referral services. The organization supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and ongoing travel further complicate efforts to track exposed residents. It also assists with surveillance at border crossings and along transportation routes, including regions along the Congo River.
By July 15, Congolese health teams had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo for follow-up. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 health workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus-caused illness. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of individuals who succumbed to the disease.
Uganda Initiates Enhanced Surveillance Period
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This marks the beginning of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Authorities may declare the outbreak over after this period if no additional cases are confirmed. Officials found no evidence of sustained community transmission. The cases in Uganda were linked to cross-border movement and exposure during healthcare visits. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and left hospital on July 4.
Concurrently, Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner organizations continue efforts in testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach. These teams also support safe burials and reinforce infection control measures within health facilities. WHO assesses the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries. The global risk level remains low, and no travel or trade restrictions have been advised. Cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring are ongoing in affected and high-risk areas.