KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has escalated into the nation’s most extensive epidemic to date. According to health officials, there have been 3,605 confirmed cases recorded up to July 30, with 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate is calculated at 44%. During the most recent complete reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, representing the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s inception. This surge has further strained efforts in surveillance, treatment, and community response initiatives.
Currently, cases are spread across 49 health zones within Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. In the latest seven-day period, active transmission was confirmed in 33 zones, which reported 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 3,176 infections, or 88% of the total cases nationwide. Bunia recorded the highest number of cases, with other significant reports from Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde, as health teams ramp up tracing and testing efforts.
The World Health Organization assesses the risk within DR Congo as very high, also considering the threat to Uganda and neighboring countries as high. Meanwhile, the overall risk levels across Africa and globally are still regarded as low. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and the movement of populations continue to complicate disease containment efforts. Response teams face additional challenges such as damaged healthcare facilities, staffing shortages, and restricted access to certain communities, all of which impede contact tracing, patient transportation, and the supply of vital resources.
Contact tracing efforts remain insufficient
Authorities have identified a total of 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Of these, 13,455 individuals are under active monitoring, leaving thousands without consistent follow-up. The outbreak has impacted 151 healthcare workers, resulting in 44 deaths, while another 68 have recovered. The government, along with its partners, continues to reinforce laboratory testing capacity, improve patient care, and implement infection control measures. They also work on logistics, safe burial practices, public information campaigns, and community outreach in areas experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo virus disease transmits through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, tissues, or contaminated objects. Symptoms can develop anywhere between two and 21 days following exposure. Patients do not spread the virus before symptoms appear. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for this strain. The primary strategies for controlling transmission involve rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burial practices.
Regional health authorities remain vigilant
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international public health emergency on May 17. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention responded by issuing a continental emergency declaration the following day. Uganda ceased its local outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new cases. Nonetheless, authorities continue to maintain heightened surveillance, especially since cross-border movement with eastern DR Congo persists. Screening, preparedness, and laboratory testing activities are ongoing in regions linked to affected communities.
Across all impacted nations, the total confirmed cases reached 3,626, with 1,589 fatalities by July 30. In DR Congo alone, there were 3,605 cases; Uganda recorded 20, and France reported one. Recovery numbers include at least 651 patients in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. The majority of infections and deaths continue to be concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams persist in surveillance, clinical care, and community response activities.