GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly spread across multiple eastern provinces. The majority of reported deaths occurred outside healthcare facilities and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of fatalities happened within communities. Confirmed cases increased by roughly 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials are recording over 40 new infections daily as ongoing conflict and displacement hinder access to medical services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 deaths across all affected nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 fatalities. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France reported a single imported case linked to the outbreak. At least 410 patients recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The epidemic has reached 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. During the last 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 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 response efforts
The International Organization for Migration highlighted that insecurity and repeated displacement are impeding diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing efforts. Restricted access has left some communities without dependable screening or referral services. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate efforts to monitor exposed residents. Additionally, the organization assists with surveillance at border crossings and transit routes, including areas along the Congo River.
By July 15, Congolese health teams identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams reached 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has affected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus-related illness. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased individuals.
Uganda begins intensified surveillance phase
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 may declare the outbreak over after this period if no additional cases are detected. Ugandan officials found no evidence of broader community spread. The country’s cases involved cross-border movement and healthcare-related exposures. France also reported no secondary transmissions following the recovery and discharge of its imported patient on July 4.
Concurrently, Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner agencies persist with testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health education. Efforts also focus on safe burials and improving infection control measures within health facilities. WHO classifies the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring nations. However, the global risk remains low. The organization has not advised travel or trade restrictions. Response teams continue cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring in areas at high risk and affected zones.