KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – As of July 30, the Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has expanded into the largest outbreak documented in the country’s history. Authorities confirmed a total of 3,605 cases, along with 1,587 fatalities. The observed case fatality rate was 44%. During the most recent full week of reporting, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s inception and indicating ongoing virus transmission.
Currently, the outbreak impacts 49 health zones spread across five provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. Within the latest seven-day window, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, which recorded 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for 3,176 cases, or 88% of the national total. Bunia experienced the highest local caseload, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde.
The World Health Organization considers the risk within DR Congo to be very high. It also perceives the threat level for Uganda and neighboring countries as high. However, the organization assesses the risk for the wider African continent and globally as low. Ongoing armed conflict, displacement, and frequent population movements continue to hinder efforts to control the disease. Additionally, health teams face challenges such as damaged facilities, staffing shortages, and limited access to several affected communities.
Health authorities boost efforts in contact tracing and patient care
In the five affected provinces, DR Congo’s health officials have identified 17,863 contacts. Response teams actively monitored 13,455 individuals, leaving thousands untracked. The outbreak has infected 151 healthcare workers and resulted in 44 deaths among them. Another 68 health workers have recovered. Efforts to expand testing, provide patient care, implement infection control measures, and engage communities continue to intensify. Authorities are also supporting safe burials, transportation services, supply deliveries, and public information campaigns in areas experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure. Individuals do not spread the virus before symptoms manifest. Early indicators include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Rapid testing, isolation procedures, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials remain crucial strategies for reducing transmission.
Surveillance at borders remains vigilant
On May 17, the outbreak was designated a public health emergency of international concern. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared a continental emergency. Uganda concluded its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without local transmission, but continues enhanced surveillance due to regular crossings at the border with eastern DR Congo. Screening initiatives, laboratory preparedness, and readiness measures remain active in regions linked to affected communities.
Up to July 30, authorities across all impacted countries confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. DR Congo accounted for 3,605 cases, with Uganda reporting 20, and France just one. In total, at least 651 patients recovered in DR Congo, and 18 in Uganda. Notably, two patients in DR Congo were diagnosed before receiving treatment in Germany. The majority of cases and fatalities continue to be concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where teams persist in surveillance, treatment, and community response efforts.