GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has significantly expanded, with a majority of the fatalities reported occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration indicated that roughly 60% of the reported deaths took place within communities. Additionally, it noted approximately a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health systems have been recording over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical care across the affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda had confirmed 20 cases with two deaths, and France reported one imported case. Overall, at least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The global count also included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak had spread to 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. Thirty-eight zones had reported cases within the last 21 days. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed cases and over 83% of deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu recorded the highest case counts within the province. These five provinces are key transit routes for internal and cross-border travel.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and restricted healthcare access are delaying early detection and treatment. These obstacles have obscured the full extent of transmission in some regions. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded environments 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.
By July 15, health officials had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams had reached 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, while 61 workers have recovered. There is no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease. The virus primarily spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last patient on July 16. This marked the start of a 42-day heightened surveillance period before the authorities can officially declare the outbreak over. Officials found no evidence of community transmission within Uganda, where cases were linked to cross-border movements and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary cases after its imported patient recovered and was discharged on July 4. Uganda had achieved 18 recoveries out of its 20 confirmed cases.
Concurrently, Congolese health authorities, WHO, and response partners continue active surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community outreach efforts. Teams are also supporting safe burial practices and infection control measures in healthcare facilities. WHO classifies the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring nations, and low globally. Based on current data, the organization has not advised travel or trade restrictions. Efforts persist in strengthening cross-border preparedness and expanding laboratory testing in affected and at-risk regions.