KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has expanded to become the largest epidemic ever recorded within the country. As of July 30, health officials reported a total of 3,605 confirmed cases, with 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was calculated at 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, representing the highest weekly counts since the outbreak’s inception. This increase has intensified the strain on surveillance systems, treatment facilities, and community response efforts.
Currently, the virus has affected 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the latest seven-day span, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, which together registered 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 3,176 infections, or 88% of the country’s total. Bunia experienced the highest number of cases, while Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde also reported significant figures as health teams expanded their contact tracing and testing operations.
The World Health Organization classifies the risk within DR Congo as very high, while also considering the threat to Uganda and other neighboring nations to be high. Conversely, the broader African region and the global community currently face low risk levels. Ongoing conflict, population displacement, and routine movement continue to impede efforts to control the disease. Response teams are also contending with damaged health facilities, shortages of staff, and limited access to certain communities, all of which complicate contact tracing, patient transportation, and the delivery of vital supplies.
Contact tracing efforts are insufficient
Authorities have identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Active monitoring is being carried out for 13,455 of these individuals, leaving thousands outside regular follow-up. The outbreak has resulted in 151 infections among healthcare workers and caused 44 deaths. An additional 68 health workers have recovered. The government, together with its partners, continues to bolster laboratory testing capacity, patient care, and infection prevention measures. They also work on logistics, safe burial practices, public information campaigns, and community outreach activities in areas experiencing ongoing transmission.
Bundibugyo virus spreads primarily through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated objects. Symptoms can emerge between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients are not contagious before symptoms appear. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and sore throat. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain. To contain the spread, health teams rely on rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burial practices.
Regional agencies remain alert
The World Health Organization officially declared the outbreak a global public health emergency on May 17. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a continent-wide emergency declaration. Uganda successfully concluded its local outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new cases. Despite this, authorities continue active surveillance due to frequent cross-border movement with eastern DR Congo. They also maintain screening, preparedness, and laboratory activities in regions linked to affected communities.
By July 30, the total confirmed cases across all impacted nations reached 3,626, with 1,589 deaths. DR Congo accounted for 3,605 cases, Uganda for 20, and France for one. Recoveries included at least 651 patients in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. The majority of infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams continue active surveillance, clinical care, and community engagement to curb the outbreak.