KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has reached the largest scale ever documented in the country’s history. By July 30, health officials confirmed a total of 3,605 cases, resulting in 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was recorded at 44%. During the most recent complete reporting week, health teams identified 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s inception and indicating the virus’s ongoing proliferation.
Currently, the outbreak spans 49 health zones across five provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the latest seven-day period, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, with 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter, with 3,176 infections, which accounts for 88% of the national total. The city of Bunia has the highest local case count, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde.
The World Health Organization assesses the risk within DR Congo as very high, while also rating the danger to Uganda and other neighboring countries as high. Conversely, the organization considers the threat to the broader African continent and globally as low. Ongoing armed conflicts, population displacement, and frequent movement of people continue to hinder efforts to control the disease. Healthcare teams face challenges such as damaged infrastructure, shortages of staff, and limited access to several affected communities.
Healthcare efforts intensify contact tracing and patient support
In total, DR Congo’s health authorities have traced 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Response units are actively monitoring 13,455 individuals, leaving many outside regular surveillance. The outbreak has affected 151 healthcare workers, with 44 losing their lives and 68 recovering. Authorities are continuously expanding testing capabilities, providing patient care, enhancing infection prevention measures, and conducting community outreach. Additionally, they are supporting safe burials, transportation logistics, supply deliveries, and public awareness campaigns in areas experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients are not contagious until symptoms manifest. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Effective containment relies on rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burial practices.
Border surveillance remains vigilant
On May 17, the outbreak was declared an international public health emergency. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a continent-wide emergency alert. Uganda concluded its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new local transmissions. However, authorities maintain heightened surveillance, especially since cross-border movement with eastern DR Congo is frequent. Screening procedures, laboratory readiness, and preparedness measures continue to be active in regions linked to affected communities.
By July 30, authorities in all affected nations had confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. Of these, DR Congo accounted for 3,605 cases, Uganda reported 20, and France documented one case. In total, 651 patients recovered in DR Congo, while 18 recovered in Uganda. Two patients in DR Congo were diagnosed before receiving treatment in Germany. Most of the infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where teams are actively conducting surveillance, treatment, and community response efforts.