GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of reported deaths occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of these fatalities took place within communities. Additionally, there was around a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health systems are experiencing over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical services in affected regions.
As of mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. In DR Congo alone, there were 2,124 cases and 828 deaths reported by July 15. Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France registered one imported case. Recovery figures included at least 410 patients, with 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The overall global count also includes two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak has impacted 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the last 21 days, 38 zones reported cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu have recorded the highest case numbers within the province. These five provinces are key transit routes, both domestically and across borders, facilitating disease spread.
Community fatalities overwhelm outbreak response efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are hampering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscure the true extent of the outbreak in certain areas. The agency supports facilities accommodating nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded conditions and frequent population movements hinder screening, contact tracing, and referrals to treatment centers. It called for enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River to better control the spread.
By July 15, health officials had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field assessments. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and resulted in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for the Bundibugyo virus strain responsible for the disease. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance measures
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 surveillance, after which authorities can declare the outbreak over. No community transmission has been detected in Uganda, with cases linked to 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 outbreak response, health officials in DR Congo, WHO, and partners continue active surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. Efforts are also ongoing to ensure safe burials and implement infection prevention in healthcare facilities. WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low globally. Despite the situation, no travel or trade restrictions have been recommended based on current data. Cross-border preparedness, laboratory testing, and response activities remain priorities across affected and at-risk areas.