BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization reported that 80% of recent Ebola infections in eastern Congo originate from unidentified transmission pathways. Many patients did not appear on contact tracing lists before testing confirmed their infection, which hampers early isolation efforts and delays treatment for symptomatic individuals. Response teams typically identify new clusters only after patients seek care at clinics or succumb within their communities. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a less frequently seen Ebola strain.
As of July 13, Congo documented 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 fatalities. The province of Ituri remained the primary hotspot, with 1,808 cases and 631 deaths. North Kivu reported 182 cases and 106 deaths, while South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo also recorded cases. Authorities listed 753 patients in isolation and noted 366 recoveries. Approximately 67% of identified contacts across the most affected areas are under active surveillance by response teams.
Contact tracing is vital in identifying exposed individuals before they can further spread the virus. Usually, contacts are monitored for 21 days following the last known exposure. WHO indicated that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths up to July 5 occurred outside healthcare facilities or prior to hospital admission. These fatalities reduce chances for prompt testing and isolation. Ebola transmits mainly through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, and contaminated objects can also serve as vectors.
Confirmed cases spread across five provinces
The outbreak has impacted 45 health zones spread over five Congolese provinces. In Ituri, 26 zones have reported cases, while North Kivu has 11. Haut-Uele documented 14 cases with 13 deaths, and Tshopo has four cases and three fatalities. South Kivu recorded three cases and one death. The extensive geographic distribution has increased demands on laboratories, treatment facilities, and mobile surveillance teams.
In Uganda, 20 cases and two deaths had been confirmed by July 14. Seventeen patients recovered, and the most recent case was identified on June 21. Out of these, 15 infections were linked to travel from Congo, while five cases resulted from local transmission events. Ugandan authorities reported no evidence of community-wide spread and continued monitoring of travelers and aid workers leaving affected zones.
Enhanced testing and treatment efforts underway
There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus. Supportive care measures include administration of fluids, oxygen, electrolyte replacement, and other symptomatic treatments. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for this strain to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. Presently, ten laboratories support testing across the affected regions, with a combined capacity of over 2,000 tests daily. Researchers have also initiated a clinical trial evaluating remdesivir and the antibody therapy MBP134.
The Congolese government, WHO, and Africa CDC continue joint efforts in surveillance, testing, treatment, safe burials, and public communication. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent movement in mining areas hinder access to some communities. Strikes among health workers have also disrupted parts of the response activities. WHO has secured approximately 40% of its $115 million funding appeal. Authorities emphasize the importance of rapid case detection, as most new infections are still occurring outside established transmission chains.