GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced a significant increase, with the majority of casualties occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of the deaths documented happened within local communities. Additionally, confirmed cases grew by roughly 70% over the past two weeks. The health infrastructure was detecting over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and population displacement have hindered access to medical care in affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization reported a total of 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo accounted for 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases with two deaths, while France reported one imported case. A total of at least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The overall global count included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who later received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak had spread across 46 health zones in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the previous 21 days, 38 zones had reported cases. Ituri remained the epicenter, contributing nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of deaths. The districts of Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu registered the highest case counts within the province. These five provinces are key transit points for both internal and cross-border travel.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access were hindering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscured the full extent of transmission in certain areas. The agency supports facilities hosting nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded conditions and frequent population movements hinder effective screening, contact tracing, and referral to treatment centers. It called 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 caused 36 deaths, with 61 having recovered. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease. The virus transmits through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last patient on July 16. This marked the beginning of a 42-day period of heightened monitoring before the authorities can declare the outbreak over. Officials found no evidence of community transmission in Uganda, although some cases involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary cases following the recovery and discharge of its imported patient on July 4. Uganda has seen 18 recoveries out of its 20 confirmed cases.
Concerning the situation in Congo, health officials, WHO, and response teams continue active surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. Support is also ongoing for safe burials and infection prevention in healthcare facilities. WHO classifies the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low globally. Travel or trade restrictions have not been advised based on current data. Efforts persist to bolster cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing across affected and at-risk regions.