KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has reached the largest scale ever recorded in the country. As of July 30, health officials documented 3,605 confirmed cases, resulting in 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was calculated at 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams reported 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s onset. This spike has further strained efforts in surveillance, treatment, and community response initiatives.
The outbreak now affects 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the latest seven-day period, active transmission was confirmed in 33 zones, with a total of 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for 3,176 infections, which represents 88% of the national total. Bunia experienced the highest number of cases, with significant figures also reported in Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde, as health teams expanded efforts in contact tracing and testing.
The World Health Organization assesses the risk within DR Congo as very high. It also considers the threat elevated for Uganda and other neighboring nations. However, the overall risk at the regional and global levels remains low. Ongoing conflict, population displacement, and continuous movement have complicated disease control measures. Response teams face challenges such as damaged facilities, staffing shortages, and restricted access to certain communities, which hinder contact tracing, patient transportation, and the delivery of vital supplies.
Contact tracing efforts are insufficient
In total, authorities identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Out of these, 13,455 are under active monitoring, leaving many outside the scope of regular follow-up. The outbreak has infected 151 health workers and claimed 44 lives, while 68 others have recovered. The government, along with partner organizations, continues to enhance laboratory testing, patient care, and infection prevention measures. They also support logistics, safe burials, public awareness initiatives, and community outreach in areas experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo virus disease is transmitted through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, tissues, or contaminated objects. Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days following exposure. Patients are not contagious until symptoms manifest. Early indicators include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and sore throat. There is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for this strain. Rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials remain the primary strategies for limiting the spread of the virus.
Health agencies in the region remain vigilant
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international public health emergency. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a continent-wide emergency declaration. Uganda declared the end of its domestic outbreak on July 28, after 42 days without local transmission. Despite this, authorities continue enhanced surveillance due to regular cross-border movement with eastern DR Congo. Screening, preparedness, and laboratory measures are maintained in connected regions to prevent further spread.
By July 30, all affected countries had confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths, with DR Congo accounting for 3,605 cases. Uganda reported 20 cases, and France recorded one. Recoveries totaled at least 651 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. The majority of infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where response teams continue active surveillance, clinical management, and community engagement efforts.