GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded across multiple eastern provinces. The majority of fatalities have occurred outside healthcare facilities and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of deaths took place within communities. Confirmed cases increased by roughly 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials are documenting more than 40 new infections daily, as ongoing conflict and displacement hinder access to medical services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization recorded 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. France identified one imported case linked to the outbreak. A minimum of 410 patients recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The outbreak has affected 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo provinces. Thirty-eight zones reported recent cases within the last 21 days. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of reported deaths. Major roads and border crossings connect many affected communities with nearby population centers, complicating containment efforts.
Community fatalities hinder detection and medical response
The International Organization for Migration highlighted that insecurity and repeated displacements are delaying diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing. Limited access has left some communities without reliable screening or referral services. The agency supports sites housing close to 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate efforts to trace exposed residents. The organization also assists with surveillance at border crossings and along transportation routes, including regions along the Congo River.
By July 15, Congolese health teams had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response personnel reached 10,195 contacts via 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-induced illness. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased individuals.
Uganda begins intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Authorities can declare the outbreak over after this period if no new cases are identified. Ugandan officials found no evidence of widespread community transmission. The cases involved cross-border movements and healthcare exposure. France reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and left hospital on July 4.
Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner agencies continue testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health outreach efforts. Teams also support safe burials and strengthen infection control measures within health facilities. WHO classifies the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries. The organization assesses the global risk as low and has not recommended travel or trade restrictions. Cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring persist in affected and high-risk areas.