GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across multiple eastern provinces. The majority of reported fatalities have occurred outside of hospitals and treatment facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that roughly 60% of deaths took place within local communities. Confirmed case numbers also increased by approximately 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials have been recording over 40 new infections daily as ongoing conflict and displacement hinder access to healthcare services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all affected nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. France reported a single imported case linked to the outbreak. A total of at least 410 patients had recovered, including 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 all confirmed infections. The province also experienced over 83% of the reported deaths. The towns of Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu recorded the highest numbers of cases within Ituri. Many affected communities are connected through 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 recurrent displacement are impeding diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing efforts. Restricted access has left some communities without reliable screening or referral systems. The agency supports facilities hosting nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate efforts to identify and monitor exposed residents. The organization also aids in surveillance at border crossings and transportation routes, including regions along the Congo River.
By July 15, Congolese health teams had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo for follow-up. Response personnel reached 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and resulted in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment is available for Bundibugyo virus-induced illness. Ebola transmission occurs through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased individuals.
Uganda begins heightened surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last 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 are detected during this time. Ugandan officials have found no evidence of widespread community transmission. The cases in Uganda involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France reported no secondary cases after its imported patient recovered and was discharged on July 4.
Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner agencies continue efforts in testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health education. They also support safe burials and reinforce infection prevention measures within healthcare facilities. WHO assesses the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries, but considers the global risk to be low. It has not recommended travel or trade restrictions. Response teams maintain cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring in affected and high-risk zones.