KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Ebola has expanded into DR Congo’s most severe epidemic to date. By July 30, authorities confirmed 3,605 cases, resulting in 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate reached 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s onset and indicating ongoing virus transmission.
Currently, the outbreak affects 49 health zones across five provinces—Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. In the latest seven-day period, 33 zones reported active transmission, with 641 cases and 282 deaths recorded. Ituri remains the epicenter, with 3,176 infections, accounting for 88% of the national total. Bunia reported the highest local caseload, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde.
World Health Organization classifies the risk within DR Congo as very high. It also considers the threat elevated for Uganda and other neighboring nations. Meanwhile, the risk level for the broader African region and globally remains low. Ongoing armed conflict, displacement, and frequent population movements continue to hinder disease control efforts. Healthcare teams face damaged facilities, staffing shortages, and limited access to several affected communities.
Health teams intensify efforts in contact tracing and patient care
DR Congo’s health authorities have identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Response teams actively monitor 13,455 individuals, leaving thousands outside regular surveillance. The outbreak has infected 151 healthcare workers and caused 44 deaths; however, 68 health workers have recovered. Authorities continue expanding testing, patient management, infection prevention, and community outreach programs. They also implement safe burial practices, transportation logistics, supply deliveries, and public information campaigns in zones experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola spreads mainly through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms generally manifest between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients are not contagious before symptoms appear. Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, no approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain. Rapid testing, patient isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burial procedures remain essential for limiting the virus’s spread.
Cross-border monitoring stays vigilant
Designated as a public health emergency internationally on May 17, the outbreak prompted the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to declare a continental emergency on the following day. Uganda, which experienced a domestic outbreak, ended it on July 28 after 42 days without local transmission. Nonetheless, health officials maintain heightened surveillance due to regular cross-border crossings with eastern DR Congo. Screening efforts, laboratory readiness, and preparedness measures continue to operate in affected border regions.
By July 30, authorities across all impacted nations confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. DR Congo accounted for 3,605 of these cases; Uganda reported 20, and France recorded one. Additionally, at least 651 patients recovered in DR Congo, with 18 recoveries in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in DR Congo were treated in Germany. Most infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where teams persist with surveillance, treatment, and community response initiatives.