GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly extended across several eastern regions. The majority of fatalities have occurred outside healthcare facilities and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of deaths happened within communities. Confirmed cases increased by about 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials are tracking 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 fatalities across all affected nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two fatalities. France identified a single imported case linked to the outbreak. At least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The outbreak has impacted 46 health zones within Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. Thirty-eight zones reported recent cases within the past 21 days. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of reported deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu are the zones with the highest case counts in Ituri. Numerous affected communities are connected via major roads and cross-border routes to nearby population centers.
Community fatalities hinder detection and treatment efforts
The International Organization for Migration explained that insecurity and repeated displacement are delaying diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing. Restricted access leaves some communities without dependable screening or referral services. The agency supports sites hosting 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 had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response personnel reached 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has affected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, while 61 have recovered. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus-induced illness. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of those who have died from the disease.
Uganda begins intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its final 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 new cases are identified. Officials found no evidence of broader community transmission. The cases involved cross-border movement and exposure during healthcare visits. France reported no secondary cases after its imported patient recovered and left hospital on July 4.
Congolese officials, the World Health Organization, and partner agencies continue active testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach efforts. Teams also support safe burials and reinforce infection control measures within healthcare facilities. WHO classifies the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries. The organization assesses the global risk as low. It has not recommended restrictions on travel or trade. Cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring persist in high-risk and affected zones.