GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded through several eastern provinces. The majority of fatalities have occurred outside of hospitals and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of deaths happened within communities. Confirmed cases also increased by roughly 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials are recording over 40 new infections daily, as ongoing conflict and population displacement hinder access to medical services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization had documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all affected nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases with two fatalities. France identified one imported case linked to the outbreak. 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 reached 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the last 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of reported deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu recorded the highest case numbers within Ituri. Many affected communities are connected by major roads and cross-border routes to nearby population centers.
Community fatalities hinder detection and treatment efforts
The International Organization for Migration highlighted that insecurity and repeated displacement are hampering diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing. Limited access has left some communities without reliable screening or referral services. The agency supports sites sheltering nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent travel make it difficult to monitor exposed residents. The organization also oversees surveillance at border crossings and along transportation routes, including the Congo River area.
By July 15, Congolese health teams had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. 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. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus-induced Ebola. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased individuals.
Uganda begins heightened surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This marked the start of a 42-day period of enhanced surveillance. Authorities may declare the outbreak over after this period if no new cases appear. Officials found no signs of widespread community transmission. The cases in Uganda involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and left hospital on July 4.
Meanwhile, Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner organizations continue efforts in testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach. They also support safe burials and improve infection control measures within healthcare facilities. WHO considers the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring nations, but the global risk remains low. No travel or trade restrictions have been recommended. Response teams persist with cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring in high-risk and affected regions.