BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization announced that 80% of recent Ebola cases in eastern Congo originate from unknown transmission pathways. These individuals did not appear on contact tracing lists linked to previously confirmed cases. Health teams only identified many of these cases after symptoms, testing, or deaths initiated new alerts. WHO emphasized that the surveillance gap remains among the most critical challenges in controlling the outbreak. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola.
Congo’s health authorities reported a total of 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 deaths as of July 13 in their latest national update. The recent daily figures recorded 54 new cases and 28 fatalities. Authorities have kept 753 patients in isolation, with 366 having recovered. Response teams are monitoring 67.4% of identified contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Typically, contact monitoring continues for 21 days after the last known exposure date.
Contact tracing enables health workers to observe exposed individuals and quickly arrange testing if symptoms develop. WHO noted that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths up to July 5 occurred within communities or prior to hospital admission. This indicates delays in detection, referral, isolation, and access to healthcare. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. The disease can also spread via contaminated objects or contact with someone who 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 recorded three cases and one death. Haut-Uele identified 14 cases and 13 deaths, while Tshopo reported four cases and three deaths. Overall, 45 out of 140 health zones across these five provinces have confirmed infections.
Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by July 14, with 17 recoveries. The last confirmed case in Uganda was on June 21. Of these, 15 cases are linked to travel from Congo, while five involve local transmission. Authorities found no evidence of community spread within Uganda. They also tracked imported cases involving travelers or aid workers leaving affected areas in Congo. Such cases led to isolation, specialized treatment, and contact monitoring in destination countries.
Enhancements in Diagnostic Tools and Treatment Research Underway
Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specific approved therapy. Patient care emphasizes rapid diagnosis, isolation, fluid replacement, oxygen support, electrolyte balance, and other clinical interventions. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for the virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. This test detects viral genetic material in blood samples. Laboratory capacity has been expanded to 10 sites across affected provinces, with a combined testing capacity exceeding 2,000 tests daily. Researchers have also initiated the PARTNERS trial to assess the effectiveness of remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Coordination efforts among Congolese authorities, WHO, and Africa CDC encompass surveillance, lab testing, clinical management, safe burials, contact tracing, and community engagement. Challenges include insecurity, displacement, and high movement along mining and trade routes, which hinder access to some communities and health facilities. WHO indicated it has received approximately 40% of a $115 million fundraising appeal for the response. Early detection and swift isolation remain priorities, as most new cases are still occurring outside known transmission chains.