KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded to become the largest on record for the country. As of July 30, health officials reported a total of 3,605 confirmed cases, resulting in 1,587 fatalities. The overall case fatality rate is 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s onset. This surge has intensified challenges for surveillance, treatment, and community response efforts.
Currently, the outbreak affects 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. Active transmission was reported in 33 zones during the last seven days, with 641 new cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for 3,176 cases or approximately 88% of the national total. Bunia has the highest number of cases, while Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde also report significant figures as health teams expand testing and contact tracing efforts.
World Health Organization classifies the risk within DR Congo as very high. It also considers the threat level to Uganda and neighboring countries as high. Meanwhile, the broader African continent and the global community maintain low risk assessments. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and population movement hinder control measures, while response teams face damaged infrastructure, shortages of personnel, and restricted access to affected communities. These factors complicate contact tracing, patient transportation, and the delivery of critical supplies.
Contact Tracing Efforts Are Insufficient
Authorities have identified 17,863 contacts across the affected provinces, with active monitoring conducted for 13,455 individuals. This leaves thousands of contacts without regular follow-up. The outbreak has led to infections among 151 health workers and the deaths of 44. An additional 68 health workers have recovered. The government and its partners continue to enhance laboratory testing, patient care, and infection prevention measures, along with supporting logistics, safe burial practices, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach in regions experiencing ongoing transmission.
Bundibugyo virus spreads through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated objects. Symptoms may appear from two to 21 days after exposure. Patients are not contagious before symptoms emerge. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain. Rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials are essential tools to curb transmission.
Regional and Global Agencies Continue Vigilance
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a similar continental emergency declaration the following day. Uganda concluded its local outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new cases. Nonetheless, authorities maintain heightened surveillance due to the frequent crossing of people between eastern DR Congo and neighboring regions. Screening, preparedness, and laboratory protocols are maintained in areas linked to affected communities.
By July 30, the affected countries reported a total of 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths, with DR Congo accounting for 3,605 cases, Uganda recording 20, and France reporting one. Recoveries include at least 651 patients in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams continue their surveillance, clinical care, and community response activities.