GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of fatalities reported occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration indicated that approximately 60% of the deaths took place within communities. Additionally, there was around a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health services documented over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical care in the affected zones.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization reported a total of 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across the impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo accounted for 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France recorded one imported case. The number of recoveries reached at least 410, 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 has affected 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 are the most affected areas within the province. These five provinces are critical for internal and cross-border travel, complicating containment efforts.
Community fatalities put additional pressure on outbreak management
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are hampering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscure the full scope of transmission in some locations. The agency supports facilities housing 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 has called for enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River to curb further spread.
As of 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 visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and resulted in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease. The virus transmits through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified monitoring phase
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 enhanced surveillance period before officials can officially declare the outbreak over. Authorities have found no evidence of community transmission within Uganda, where cases involved cross-border movement and exposure during healthcare. France reported no secondary cases after its imported patient recovered and left hospital on July 4. Uganda has seen 18 recoveries out of its 20 confirmed cases.
Meanwhile, health authorities in Congo, WHO, and response partners continue efforts in surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. Support is ongoing for safe burials and infection prevention in healthcare facilities. WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low on a global scale. No travel or trade restrictions have been recommended based on current data. Response teams persist in strengthening cross-border preparedness and expanding laboratory testing in affected and at-risk regions.