KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has expanded to become the nation’s most extensive recorded epidemic. As of July 30, health officials reported a total of 3,605 confirmed cases, which include 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was calculated at 44%. During the latest full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly totals since the outbreak’s inception. This increase has intensified the strain on efforts related to surveillance, treatment, and community engagement.
Currently, cases are present in 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the recent seven-day period, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, which together accounted for 641 cases and 282 deaths. The outbreak’s epicenter remains Ituri, with 3,176 infections, representing 88% of the total cases nationwide. Bunia recorded the highest number of cases, while Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde also contributed significantly as health teams expanded testing and contact tracing efforts.
The World Health Organization classifies the risk within DR Congo as very high, and considers the threat to Uganda and other neighboring countries as high. Meanwhile, the broader African region and the global community face a low level of risk. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and regular population movements continue to impede disease containment efforts. Response teams are also challenged by damaged infrastructure, staffing shortages, and limited access to some communities, which complicates contact tracing, patient transportation, and the delivery of essential supplies.
Contact tracing efforts are insufficient to meet needs
Authorities have identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Of these, 13,455 are under active monitoring, leaving thousands untracked for regular follow-up. The outbreak has resulted in 151 health worker infections and 44 deaths, with 68 health workers having recovered. The government, along with its partners, continues to enhance laboratory testing, patient care, and infection prevention measures. They also support logistics, safe burials, community outreach, and public information campaigns in areas experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo virus disease is transmitted through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms may develop anywhere between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients are not contagious before symptoms appear. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain. The primary methods to limit transmission include rapid testing, patient isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burial practices.
Regional health agencies stay alert amid ongoing threat
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international public health emergency, followed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issuing a continental emergency declaration the next day. Uganda concluded its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without local transmission. Despite this, authorities continue enhanced surveillance due to frequent cross-border movement with eastern DR Congo. Screening, preparedness, and laboratory measures are maintained in connected communities to prevent further spread.
By July 30, authorities in affected countries confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. In DR Congo, cases reached 3,605, with Uganda reporting 20 and France one. Recovery numbers include at least 651 patients in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. The majority of infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where teams continue surveillance, clinical support, and community response activities.