KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has reached its largest epidemic on record. By July 30, health authorities reported a total of 3,605 confirmed cases, which included 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was calculated at 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly totals since the outbreak’s inception. This increase has further strained surveillance, treatment, and community response efforts.
Currently, cases are spread across 49 health zones within Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the latest seven-day period, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, with a total of 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for 3,176 infections, which makes up 88% of the national figure. Bunia recorded the highest number of cases, while Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde also contributed significant numbers as health teams intensified efforts in contact tracing and testing.
The World Health Organization considers the risk level within DR Congo to be very high. It also assesses the threat as elevated for Uganda and neighboring countries affected by the outbreak. Conversely, the overall risk in the wider African region and globally remains low. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and continual population movements continue to hinder efforts to contain the disease. Response teams face additional challenges such as damaged infrastructure, staffing shortages, and limited access to some communities, which complicate contact tracing, patient transportation, and the distribution of essential supplies.
Contact Tracing Capabilities Falling Short
A total of 17,863 contacts have been identified across the five affected provinces. Of these, 13,455 are under active monitoring, leaving thousands untracked. The outbreak has infected 151 health workers and resulted in 44 deaths, while another 68 have recovered. The government and its partners continue to bolster laboratory testing, patient care, and infection prevention measures. They also support logistics, safe burial practices, public information campaigns, and community outreach efforts in areas experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo virus disease spreads via contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically develop between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients are not contagious prior to symptom onset. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and a sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain. Main strategies for limiting transmission involve rapid testing, patient isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burial procedures.
Regional Health Authorities Stay Alert
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global public health emergency. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued an emergency declaration for the continent. Uganda concluded its local outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new transmission. Despite this, authorities continue enhanced surveillance due to frequent cross-border crossings from eastern DR Congo. They maintain screening, preparedness, and laboratory measures in areas linked to affected communities.
Up to July 30, authorities confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths across all affected nations. Within this total, DR Congo reported 3,605 cases, Uganda had 20, and France recorded one. Recoveries numbered at least 651 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities are concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams continue ongoing surveillance, clinical management, and community response activities.