KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak currently unfolding in DR Congo has expanded into the largest epidemic ever recorded in the nation. As of July 30, health authorities confirmed a total of 3,605 cases, resulting in 1,587 deaths. The case fatality rate stands at 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, the response teams documented 567 new infections and 296 fatalities, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s inception and indicating ongoing virus dissemination.
This outbreak now spans 49 health zones within five provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. Within the latest seven-day window, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, which collectively registered 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri continues to be the epicenter, with 3,176 cases, making up 88% of the national total. Bunia remains the area with the highest local case count, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde.
The World Health Organization assesses the risk within DR Congo as very high. It also considers the threat to Uganda and neighboring countries bordering the affected regions as high. Meanwhile, the overall risk for the broader African continent and globally is deemed low. Persistent armed conflict, population displacement, and constant movement continue to challenge efforts to control the disease, as health teams contend with damaged infrastructure, staff shortages, and limited access to several communities impacted by the outbreak.
Health teams intensify contact tracing and patient care initiatives
Across the five affected provinces, authorities in DR Congo have identified 17,863 contacts. Active follow-up involves 13,455 individuals, leaving many outside routine monitoring. Since the outbreak’s start, 151 health workers have been infected, with 44 fatalities. An additional 68 health workers have recovered. The response continues to grow, with efforts focused on expanding testing, patient treatment, infection prevention, and community engagement. Support for safe burials, transportation, supply distribution, and public awareness campaigns also remain priorities in zones with ongoing transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically develop within two to 21 days following exposure. Patients are not contagious until symptoms appear. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. As of now, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Measures such as rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials are the main strategies to limit further transmission.
Monitoring at borders remains a key component of containment efforts
The outbreak was declared an international public health emergency on May 17. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a continent-wide emergency declaration. Uganda concluded its own domestic outbreak on July 28, after 42 days without local transmission. Despite this, authorities maintain heightened surveillance since cross-border movement from eastern DR Congo is frequent. Screening, laboratory readiness, and preparedness activities continue to be active in border areas linked to the affected communities.
By July 30, authorities across all affected countries confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. DR Congo accounted for 3,605 cases, Uganda reported 20, and France confirmed one case. A total of at least 651 patients recovered in DR Congo, with 18 recoveries in Uganda. Meanwhile, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where teams are ongoing with surveillance, treatment, and community response measures.