GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of fatalities occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of deaths happened within communities. Additionally, they noted a roughly 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health systems are experiencing over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hampered access to medical care in affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo alone reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed infections and two deaths, while France reported a single imported case. So far, at least 410 patients have recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The global count also includes two patients diagnosed in DR Congo and subsequently treated in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak has affected 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the past 21 days, 38 zones reported cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed cases and over 83% of deaths. The largest case counts in the province are from Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. These five provinces are critical transit points for internal and cross-border travel.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak containment
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are hindering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscure the true extent of transmission in certain areas. The agency supports facilities accommodating nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowding and frequent population movements hinder effective screening, contact tracing, and referrals. They have emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health authorities had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo for follow-up. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 health workers and resulted in 36 deaths, while 61 recovered. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus disease. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated items.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last patient on July 16. This initiated a 42-day period of heightened surveillance before officials can declare the outbreak over. No community transmission was identified in Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and left the hospital on July 4. Uganda has seen 18 recoveries out of its 20 confirmed cases.
Efforts by Congolese health authorities, WHO, and response partners continue with surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community outreach initiatives. Support is ongoing for safe burials and infection control measures within healthcare facilities. WHO considers the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring nations, and low on a global scale. Based on current data, no travel or trade restrictions have been recommended. Response teams persist in supporting cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing across the affected and vulnerable areas.