BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization has indicated that 80% of recent Ebola cases in eastern Congo stem from unidentified transmission chains. Many patients were not listed on contact tracing lists prior to testing confirming their infections. This gap hampers early isolation efforts and causes delays in treatment for symptomatic individuals. Response teams often only identify new clusters after patients seek medical care or succumb within their communities. The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a less common form of Ebola.
As of July 13, Congo had reported a total of 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 fatalities. The majority of cases remained concentrated in Ituri province, with 1,808 cases and 631 deaths. North Kivu recorded 182 cases and 106 deaths. Additionally, infections were documented in South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Authorities listed 753 individuals in isolation and reported 366 recoveries. About 67% of identified contacts in the most affected regions are under surveillance by response teams.
Tracing contacts helps health officials identify exposed individuals before they can spread the virus further. Typically, each contact is monitored for 21 days following the last known exposure. The WHO reports that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths up to July 5 occurred outside hospitals or before hospital admission, reducing opportunities for prompt testing and isolation. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, and contaminated objects can also serve as transmission vectors.
Five provinces report confirmed Ebola infections
The outbreak has affected 45 health zones across five provinces in Congo. In Ituri, 26 zones have reported cases, while North Kivu has 11. Haut-Uele has 14 cases with 13 deaths, and Tshopo has four cases and three deaths. South Kivu has recorded three cases and one death. The widespread geographic distribution has increased demand on laboratories, treatment centers, and mobile surveillance units.
In Uganda, 20 cases and two deaths have been confirmed as of July 14. Seventeen patients have recovered, and the latest confirmed case was recorded on June 21. Fifteen of these infections are linked to travel from Congo, while five are associated with local transmission events. Ugandan health authorities have found no evidence of community-wide spread and continue monitoring travelers and aid workers leaving affected areas during the outbreak.
Expansion of testing and medical interventions
Bundibugyo virus has no licensed vaccine or approved specific treatment. Medical teams provide supportive care including fluids, oxygen, electrolyte therapy, and other interventions. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for this virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. Currently, ten laboratories are conducting testing across the affected regions, with a combined capacity exceeding 2,000 tests daily. Researchers have also launched a clinical trial involving remdesivir and the antibody therapy MBP134.
The government of Congo, WHO, and Africa CDC continue to work together on surveillance, testing, treatment, safe burials, and community outreach efforts. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent movement in mining areas hinder access to some communities. Strikes among health workers have also impacted response operations. WHO has received approximately 40% of its $115 million funding appeal. Authorities emphasize the importance of rapid case detection, as most new infections are still occurring outside established transmission chains.