KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Ebola has escalated into the most extensive epidemic ever recorded in DR Congo. By July 30, officials 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, health teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s onset and indicating ongoing virus dissemination.
Currently, the outbreak affects 49 health zones within five different provinces, namely Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the latest seven-day period, active transmission was identified in 33 zones, which recorded 641 cases and 282 deaths. The province of Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for 3,176 infections, or 88% of the total cases nationwide. Bunia reported the largest local caseload, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde.
The World Health Organization assesses the internal risk within DR Congo as very high, while also flagging a significant threat to Uganda and other neighboring countries. Conversely, the organization considers the risk level for the broader African continent and globally as low. Persistent armed conflict, population displacement, and constant movement hinder effective disease control efforts. Additionally, healthcare teams face challenges such as damaged facilities, staffing shortages, and restricted access to several affected communities.
Efforts in tracing and patient care are being intensified
Authorities in DR Congo have identified a total of 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Response teams are actively monitoring 13,455 individuals, leaving thousands untracked beyond regular surveillance. The outbreak has impacted 151 healthcare workers, resulting in 44 deaths, with an additional 68 recovering. Efforts continue to expand testing, patient treatment, infection prevention measures, and community outreach programs. Support services such as safe burial procedures, transport, supply deliveries, and public information campaigns are being reinforced in zones with ongoing transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola transmits primarily through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, tissues, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically manifest between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients are not contagious until symptoms appear. Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment available for the Bundibugyo strain. The main tools for controlling the spread remain rapid testing, isolation, supportive medical care, contact tracing, and safe burial practices.
Cross-border monitoring efforts remain in place
The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. The following day, the World Health Organization issued a continent-wide emergency declaration through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Uganda concluded its domestic Ebola outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without local transmission. Despite this, health authorities maintain heightened surveillance due to the regular border crossings with eastern DR Congo. Screening initiatives, laboratory preparedness, and response readiness measures remain active in areas with close ties to affected communities.
By July 30, authorities across all affected nations confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. DR Congo reported 3,605 cases, Uganda confirmed 20, and France registered one case. Recoveries totaled at least 651 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Notably, two patients in DR Congo were diagnosed with Ebola before receiving treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams continue surveillance, treatment, and community response operations.