GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has rapidly expanded into 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 happened within communities. Confirmed cases increased by roughly 70% over the past two weeks. Health officials are recording over 40 new infections daily, as ongoing conflict and displacement hinder access to medical services.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across the affected nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda documented 20 confirmed infections and two fatalities. France reported a single imported case linked to the outbreak. Recovery figures show at least 410 patients, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in Congo received treatment later in Germany.
The epidemic has impacted 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. During the last 21 days, 38 zones reported recent cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of reported deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu have the highest case numbers within Ituri. Many affected communities are connected by major roads and border crossings to nearby population centers.
Community fatalities hinder detection and response efforts
The International Organization for Migration highlighted that insecurity and continuous displacement are impeding diagnosis, treatment, and contact tracing. Restricted access has left some communities without reliable screening or referral services. The organization supports sites housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded settlements and frequent movement complicate efforts to track exposed residents. They also assist surveillance at border crossings and transport 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 through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and resulted in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus-induced illness. Ebola transmission occurs via direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects, or remains of deceased individuals.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16. This marks the start of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Authorities may declare the outbreak over if no further cases are identified during this time. Ugandan officials found no evidence of widespread community transmission. The cases involved cross-border movement and exposure within healthcare settings. France reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and was discharged on July 4.
Concurrently, Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization, and partner agencies continue testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health campaigns. Efforts also include supporting safe burials and improving infection control protocols within health facilities. WHO classifies the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring nations, while maintaining a low global risk assessment. The organization has not recommended travel or trade restrictions. Cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing, and community monitoring persist in affected and high-risk regions.