GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of fatalities reported occurring outside healthcare settings. The International Organization for Migration indicated that approximately 60% of the deaths took place within communities. Additionally, there was about a 70% rise in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health services recorded over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical care in affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization reported a total of 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across all impacted countries. As of July 15, DR Congo alone accounted for 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France reported one imported case. A total of at least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The global count also included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak had spread across 46 health zones within 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 infections and over 83% of deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu recorded the highest case numbers in the region. These five provinces are key transit routes for internal and cross-border movement.
Community fatalities hinder outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are delaying early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscure the full extent of virus transmission in certain areas. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowding and frequent population movements complicate efforts in screening, contact tracing, and referral to treatment centers. The organization emphasized the need for increased surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health officials had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 of those contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or targeted treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus disease. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated objects.
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 heightened surveillance before authorities can officially declare the outbreak over. No community transmission was detected in Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border activity and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary cases following the recovery and discharge of its imported patient on July 4. Uganda achieved 18 recoveries from its 20 confirmed cases.
Concurrently, Congolese health authorities, WHO, and response teams continue efforts in surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. Support is ongoing for safe burials and infection prevention in health facilities. WHO assesses the risk level as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring nations, and low globally. Based on current data, the organization has not advised travel or trade restrictions. Continued cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing efforts are being maintained across at-risk and affected regions.