GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across multiple eastern provinces. The majority of fatalities have occurred outside of hospitals and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of deaths happened within communities. Confirmed cases also increased roughly 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials are recording over 40 new infections daily as ongoing conflict and population displacement hinder access to medical services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all affected nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. France reported a single imported case linked to the outbreak. A total of at least 410 patients had recovered—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 within Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. During the previous 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. 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 highlighted that insecurity and repeated displacement are impeding diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing. Limited 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 efforts to monitor exposed residents. Additionally, the organization aids in surveillance at border crossings and along transport 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 personnel managed to reach 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers, causing 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for illnesses caused by the Bundibugyo virus. Ebola transmission occurs through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or the remains of those who succumbed to the disease.
Uganda begins intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This marks the start of a 42-day enhanced surveillance phase. Authorities may declare the outbreak over after this period if no new cases are identified. Officials found no evidence of widespread community transmission. The cases in Uganda involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and was discharged on July 4.
Concurrently, Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner organizations continue testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach efforts. They also support safe burials and reinforce infection control measures within health facilities. WHO assesses the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries, but rates the global risk as low. The organization has not advised travel or trade restrictions. Cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring persist in affected and high-risk regions.