BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization reported that 80% of recent Ebola cases in eastern Congo stem from unidentified transmission pathways. Many patients did not appear on contact lists prior to their infections being confirmed through testing. This gap hampers early isolation efforts and causes delays in providing treatment to symptomatic individuals. Often, response teams identify new clusters only after patients have arrived at clinics or have died within their communities. The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a less common strain of Ebola.
As of July 13, Congo had documented 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 fatalities. The province of Ituri remained the epicenter, with 1,808 cases and 631 deaths. North Kivu reported 182 cases with 106 deaths. Additional cases and deaths were recorded in South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Authorities listed 753 individuals in isolation and noted 366 recoveries. Monitoring efforts covered approximately 67% of contacts identified in the most affected areas.
Tracing contacts aims to identify exposed individuals before they can further transmit the virus. Typically, each contact is observed for 21 days following the last known exposure. According to WHO, 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths up to July 5 occurred outside hospital settings or prior to admission, reducing chances for prompt testing and isolation. Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Contaminated objects can also serve as transmission vectors.
Confirmed cases reported across five provinces
The outbreak has affected 45 health zones within five different provinces. In Ituri, cases have been identified in 26 zones, while North Kivu has 11 zones with infections. Haut-Uele reported 14 cases and 13 deaths. Tshopo has four cases and three fatalities, and South Kivu documented three cases and one death. The widespread geographic distribution has increased pressure on laboratories, treatment facilities, and mobile surveillance teams.
In Uganda, 20 cases and two deaths had been confirmed by July 14. Seventeen patients had recovered, with the most recent confirmed case recorded on June 21. Of these infections, 15 were linked to travel from Congo, while five involved local transmission events. Ugandan health authorities reported no documented community spread and continue monitoring travelers and aid workers exiting affected regions during the outbreak.
Expansion of testing and clinical response efforts
There is no licensed vaccine or approved treatment specifically targeting Bundibugyo virus. Medical teams are providing supportive care such as fluids, oxygen, and electrolyte replacement. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for the virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. Currently, ten laboratories are conducting testing across the affected region with a combined capacity of over 2,000 tests daily. Researchers have also initiated a clinical trial involving remdesivir and the antibody therapy MBP134.
The Congo government, WHO, and Africa CDC continue to coordinate efforts involving surveillance, testing, treatment, safe burials, and public outreach. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent movement through mining areas hinder access to some communities. Strikes among health workers have also affected response activities. WHO has received roughly 40% of its $115 million funding appeal. Authorities remain focused on accelerating case detection, as most new infections arise outside known transmission chains.