GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with most fatalities occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of the deaths happened within communities. Additionally, confirmed cases grew by about 70% over the past two weeks. Health services were detecting over 40 new infections daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical care in affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed cases and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo accounted for 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France identified one imported case. Recovery numbers stood at at least 410 patients, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The total global count included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak has affected 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the previous 21 days, 38 zones reported cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, representing nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu recorded the highest case counts within the province. These five provinces are key transit regions both internally and across borders.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are hampering early detection and response efforts. Such obstacles obscure the full extent of transmission in some areas. The agency supports facilities sheltering nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowding and frequent population movements hinder screening, contact tracing, and referral to treatment centers. It called for enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health authorities had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field operations. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus-induced disease. The virus transmits through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last patient on July 16. This marked the start of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period before officials can declare the outbreak over. No community transmission was detected in Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary cases following the recovery and discharge of its imported patient on July 4. Uganda recorded 18 recoveries out of 20 confirmed cases.
Congolese health authorities, WHO, and response partners continue to conduct surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community outreach activities. Teams are also supporting safe burials and infection control measures within healthcare facilities. WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low globally. Based on current information, travel and trade restrictions are not recommended. Response efforts remain focused on cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing in affected and at-risk regions.