BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization announced that 80% of recent Ebola infections in eastern Congo originate from unknown transmission chains. These cases did not appear on contact tracing lists linked to previously confirmed infections. Health teams only discovered many of these cases after symptoms, testing, or fatalities prompted new alerts. WHO emphasized that the surveillance gap remains among the most critical challenges in managing the outbreak. The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola.
According to the latest national report, Congolese health authorities confirmed 2,011 cases and 754 deaths as of July 13. The most recent daily update recorded 54 new cases and 28 fatalities. Authorities placed 753 patients in isolation, while 366 individuals had recovered. Response teams were monitoring 67.4% of identified contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Typically, contact monitoring continues for 21 days following the last known exposure.
Contact tracing enables health workers to observe exposed individuals and facilitate prompt testing if symptoms emerge. WHO stated that 92.3% of the 430 investigated deaths through July 5 occurred either in communities or before hospital admission. This indicates delays in detection, referral, isolation, and access to healthcare. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. It can also spread via contaminated objects or contact with individuals who have died from the infection.
Outbreak spans five provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ituri remains the epicenter, with 1,808 confirmed cases and 631 deaths. The province has reported infections in 26 of its 36 health zones. North Kivu has recorded 182 cases and 106 deaths across 11 zones. South Kivu has three cases and one death, while Haut-Uele reported 14 cases and 13 deaths. Tshopo confirmed four cases and three deaths. Overall, 45 out of 140 health zones across these five provinces have reported infections.
Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by July 14, with 17 recoveries. The last confirmed case in Uganda was on June 21. Of these cases, 15 had links to Congo, and five involved local transmission events. Authorities found no documented community transmission within Uganda. They also monitored imported cases involving travelers or aid workers leaving affected areas in Congo. These cases led to isolation, specialized treatment, and contact monitoring in the destination countries.
Enhanced diagnostics and treatment trials underway
Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment. Care primarily involves rapid diagnosis, isolation, fluids, oxygen therapy, electrolyte management, and other supportive measures. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for this virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. This test detects viral genetic material in blood samples. Laboratory capacity in affected regions has expanded to 10 sites, with a capacity to perform over 2,000 tests daily. Researchers have also launched the PARTNERS trial to assess the efficacy of remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Coordination efforts among Congolese authorities, WHO, and Africa CDC include surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical care, safe burials, contact tracing, and community engagement. The response faces challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and extensive movement along mining and trade routes, which hinder access to some communities and health facilities. WHO reported receiving approximately 40% of a $115 million funding appeal for the response. Authorities continue prioritizing early detection and rapid isolation, as most new cases still occur outside known transmission chains.