GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded into multiple eastern provinces. The majority of fatalities have occurred outside hospitals and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of deaths took place within communities. Confirmed cases increased by about 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 had 20 confirmed cases with two deaths. France reported a single imported case linked to the outbreak. At least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The outbreak has impacted 46 health zones within Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. 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 via major roads and cross-border routes to nearby population centers.
Community fatalities hinder detection and response efforts
The International Organization for Migration highlighted that insecurity and recurrent displacement are hampering diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing efforts. Limited access to some communities means they lack reliable screening or referral services. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate efforts to monitor exposed residents. Additionally, the organization assists with surveillance at border crossings and 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 teams managed to reach 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has affected 119 health workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus-induced illness. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased individuals.
Uganda initiates heightened surveillance measures
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 can declare the outbreak over after this period if no additional cases are confirmed. Officials found no evidence of wider community transmission. The cases in Uganda involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and left the hospital on July 4.
Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner agencies continue active testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach. Efforts also include supporting safe burials and strengthening infection control protocols within health facilities. WHO classifies the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries, while the global risk remains low. The organization has not recommended travel or trade restrictions. Response teams persist in cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring in high-risk and affected areas.