GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across several eastern provinces. The majority of reported fatalities have occurred outside hospital and treatment center settings. The International Organization for Migration indicated that around 60% of these deaths happened within communities. Confirmed cases also increased by approximately 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials were recording over 40 new infections daily as conflict and displacement hinder access to medical services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization reported 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across the affected regions. As of July 15, DR Congo alone documented 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. France confirmed a single imported case linked to the outbreak. A minimum of 410 patients had recovered—390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The outbreak has impacted 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the last 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of reported deaths. The zones of Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu recorded the highest case numbers within Ituri. Many affected communities are connected by major roads and cross-border routes to nearby population centers.
Community fatalities hinder detection and treatment efforts
The International Organization for Migration highlighted that insecurity and ongoing displacement are hampering efforts in diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing. Limited access prevents some communities from receiving reliable screening or referral services. The agency supports sites sheltering nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent travel complicate tracking of exposed residents. The organization also aids surveillance at border crossings and along transport routes, including areas along the Congo River.
By July 15, Congolese health teams had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response personnel monitored and visited 10,195 contacts. The outbreak has infected 119 health workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus-induced disease. Ebola transmission occurs through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of those who succumbed to the illness.
Uganda begins heightened surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its final Ebola patient on July 16. This marked the start of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Authorities may declare the outbreak over if no new cases appear during this time. Officials found no evidence of wider community transmission. The cases involved cross-border movements and healthcare-related exposures. France reported no secondary transmission after its imported patient recovered and left the hospital on July 4.
Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner agencies continue testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach. Efforts also include safe burials and improving infection control within health facilities. WHO classifies the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries. The global risk remains low. The organization has not recommended travel or trade restrictions. Response teams persist with cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring in high-risk and affected zones.