KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has expanded into the largest outbreak ever recorded in the country. As of July 30, authorities confirmed a total of 3,605 cases, which included 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was reported at 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly numbers since the outbreak’s inception and indicating the ongoing transmission of the virus.
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, which recorded 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter, with 3,176 infections, accounting for 88% of the national total. Bunia led local case counts, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde.
The World Health Organization classifies the risk level within DR Congo as very high. It also considers the threat posed to Uganda and other neighboring nations as high. Conversely, the organization assesses the risk for the broader African region and globally as low. Ongoing armed conflict, displacement, and frequent population movements hinder efforts to control the disease. Health teams face additional challenges such as damaged infrastructure, staffing shortages, and restricted access to several affected communities.
Health teams scale up contact tracing and patient care efforts
Authorities in DR Congo have identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Response teams actively monitor 13,455 individuals, leaving thousands without regular follow-up. The outbreak has infected 151 health workers, resulting in 44 deaths, while another 68 have recovered. Officials continue to expand testing, improve patient care, implement infection prevention measures, and conduct community outreach. Efforts also include supporting safe burials, transportation services, supply deliveries, and public information campaigns in regions experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms can develop between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients do not transmit the virus prior to showing symptoms. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Main strategies for limiting transmission involve rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burial practices.
Monitoring at borders continues actively
On May 17, the outbreak was designated as a public health emergency of international concern. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared a continental emergency. Uganda declared the end of its local outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new transmissions. Nonetheless, enhanced surveillance persists due to regular cross-border movement with eastern DR Congo. Screening, laboratory readiness, and preparedness measures remain in place in areas linked to affected communities.
By July 30, authorities in all affected countries confirmed a total of 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. Within this total, DR Congo reported 3,605 cases, Uganda 20, and France one. Recovery numbers include at least 651 patients in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients in DR Congo were diagnosed before seeking treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities continue to be concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where teams maintain surveillance, treatment, and community response activities.