GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of fatalities occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of the deaths happened within communities. Additionally, there was about a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health services recorded more than 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to treatment in the affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented a total of 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. In DR Congo alone, there were 2,124 cases and 828 deaths as of July 15. Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France confirmed one imported case. Recovery figures included at least 410 patients, with 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The worldwide count also included two individuals diagnosed in DR Congo who received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak extended to 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. During the last 21 days, 38 zones reported cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed cases and over 83% of deaths. The provinces of Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu recorded the highest case numbers within the region. These five provinces are critical due to their internal and cross-border transportation routes.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak management
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are hampering early detection and response efforts. These obstacles obscure the true extent of transmission in certain areas. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded conditions and frequent population movements complicate efforts such as screening, contact tracing, and referrals to treatment centers. The organization urged enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health authorities had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has affected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, while 61 have recovered. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus disease. The virus transmits through direct contact with infected bodily 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 beginning of a 42-day period of enhanced surveillance before authorities can declare the outbreak contained. Officials confirmed no community transmission within Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary cases following the recovery and departure of its imported patient on July 4. In Uganda, 18 of 20 confirmed cases had recovered.
Concurrently, Congolese health officials, WHO, and response partners continue to conduct surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community outreach efforts. Teams are also supporting safe burials and infection control practices in healthcare facilities. The WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low worldwide. No travel or trade restrictions have been recommended based on current information. Response agencies persist in strengthening cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing in affected and at-risk areas.