GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of fatalities happening outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration indicated that approximately 60% of the reported deaths occurred within communities. Furthermore, there was about a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Daily health reports show more than 40 new cases being recorded. Ongoing conflict and population displacement have hampered access to medical care in the affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo accounted for 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases with two fatalities, and France had documented one imported case. A total of at least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo had received treatment in Germany, contributing to the global case count.
The Ebola outbreak has affected 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Thirty-eight zones reported cases within the past 21 days. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu are the most affected areas within the province. The outbreak spans five provinces, which include key internal and cross-border routes.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are hindering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscure the full extent of virus transmission in some regions. The agency supports facilities accommodating nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowding and frequent population movements hinder effective screening, contact tracing, and referral to treatment centers. The organization urges enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health authorities had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for infections caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance measures
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its final patient on July 16. This marked the beginning of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period before authorities can officially declare the outbreak over. Officials confirmed no community transmission in Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and was discharged on July 4. Uganda’s recoveries totaled 18 out of 20 confirmed cases.
Concurrently, Congolese health officials, WHO, and response teams continue surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts. Support is ongoing for safe burials and infection prevention in healthcare facilities. WHO assesses the risk level as very high within DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low globally. The organization has not recommended travel or trade restrictions based on current data. Efforts persist in strengthening cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing in affected and at-risk regions.