BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization announced that 80% of recent Ebola infections in eastern Congo originate from unidentified transmission pathways. These individuals were not listed on contact tracing lists related to previously confirmed cases. Health teams only identified many of these cases after symptoms appeared, testing was conducted, or fatalities occurred, prompting new alerts. WHO emphasized that this surveillance gap remains one of the most critical issues in controlling the outbreak. The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a seldom-seen Ebola strain.
According to the latest national report, Congolese health officials documented 2,011 confirmed infections and 754 deaths up to July 13. The most recent daily update recorded 54 new cases and 28 fatalities. Authorities kept 753 individuals in isolation, while 366 had recovered. Response teams were tracking 67.4% of identified contacts in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Typically, contact monitoring continues for 21 days following the last known exposure.
Traceability of contacts allows health workers to observe exposed individuals and swiftly organize testing if symptoms develop. WHO indicated that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths by July 5 occurred either within communities or prior to hospital admission. This highlights delays in detection, referral, isolation, and access to medical care. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, or via contaminated objects or contact with individuals who have died from the virus.
Outbreak Spreads Across Five Congolese Provinces
Ituri remains the epicenter, with 1,808 confirmed cases and 631 deaths. The province has reported cases in 26 of its 36 health zones. North Kivu has recorded 182 cases and 106 deaths across 11 zones. South Kivu reported three cases and one death. Haut-Uele identified 14 cases and 13 deaths, while Tshopo has four cases and three deaths. Overall, 45 out of 140 health zones across these five provinces have reported infections.
Uganda had accounted for 20 confirmed cases and two deaths as of July 14, with 17 recoveries. The last confirmed case in Uganda was reported on June 21. Of these cases, 15 had links to travel from Congo, and five involved local transmission. No documented community transmission has been recorded in Uganda. Authorities also monitored imported cases involving travelers or aid workers leaving affected areas in Congo. These cases led to isolation, specialized treatment, and contact tracking in their destination countries.
Enhanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Efforts Underway
Bundibugyo virus presently lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment. Medical care mainly involves rapid diagnosis, isolation, hydration, oxygen therapy, electrolyte management, and other supportive measures. WHO approved the first molecular diagnostic test for this virus on 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, capable of conducting over 2,000 tests daily. Additionally, research initiatives have launched the PARTNERS trial to assess the efficacy of remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
The Congolese government, WHO, and Africa CDC are working together to coordinate surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical care, safe burials, contact tracing, and community outreach. Challenges include insecurity, displacement, and significant movement along mining and trade routes, which hinder access to some communities and health facilities. WHO reported that approximately 40% of a $115 million funding appeal has been received. Authorities continue to focus on early detection and swift isolation, as most new patients are still outside known transmission chains.