GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across multiple eastern provinces. The majority of deaths have occurred outside hospitals and treatment facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of fatalities took place within communities. Confirmed cases also increased by about 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials were 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 deaths across all affected nations. DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 fatalities as of July 15. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. France identified one 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 across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the last 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and more than 83% of reported deaths. The towns of Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu recorded the highest case numbers within Ituri. Many affected communities are connected by major roads and cross-border routes to nearby population centers.
Community fatalities hinder detection and treatment efforts
The International Organization for Migration pointed out that insecurity and recurrent displacement are hampering diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing efforts. Restricted access has left some communities without reliable screening or referral services. The agency supports sites housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate tracking of exposed residents. The organization also assists with surveillance at border crossings and along transportation 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 workers managed to reach 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 health workers, resulting in 36 deaths, while 61 have recovered. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus-caused illness. Ebola transmission occurs through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or the remains of individuals who have died from the disease.
Uganda begins intensified 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 new cases are confirmed. The Ugandan government found no evidence of broader community transmission. Most cases involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France reported no secondary transmissions following the recovery and hospital discharge of its imported patient on July 4.
Meanwhile, Congolese officials, the World Health Organization, and partner organizations continue testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach efforts. They are also supporting safe burials and reinforcing infection control measures within healthcare facilities. WHO assesses the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries, but considers the global risk to be low. The organization has not recommended travel or trade restrictions. Response teams maintain cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring in high-risk and affected regions.