BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization reported that 80% of recent Ebola cases in eastern Congo stem from unidentified transmission chains. Many patients had not been listed on contact tracing lists prior to testing confirming their infections. This gap hampers early isolation efforts and causes delays in providing treatment to symptomatic individuals. Health teams often identify new clusters only after patients arrive at clinics or succumb within their communities. The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a less common Ebola strain.
As of July 13, Congo had documented 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 fatalities. The province of Ituri remains the epicenter, with 1,808 cases and 631 deaths. North Kivu reported 182 cases and 106 deaths. Additional infections were recorded in South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Authorities reported 753 patients in isolation and 366 recoveries. Response teams tracked approximately 67% of identified contacts in the most affected regions.
Tracing contacts is vital for health workers to identify exposed individuals before they further spread the virus. Usually, each contact is monitored for 21 days following the last known exposure. WHO indicated that 92.3% of 430 deaths investigated up to July 5 occurred outside healthcare facilities or before admission. Such deaths reduce the chances for timely testing and isolation. Ebola transmits primarily through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. The virus can also be carried by contaminated objects.
Five provinces report confirmed infections
The outbreak has impacted 45 health zones across five provinces in Congo. Ituri has cases in 26 zones, North Kivu in 11, Haut-Uele in 14 with 13 deaths, Tshopo in four with three deaths, and South Kivu in three with one death. The widespread geographic reach has increased demands on laboratories, treatment facilities, and mobile surveillance units.
By July 14, Uganda confirmed 20 cases and two deaths. Seventeen patients had recovered, with the latest confirmed case reported on June 21. Fifteen of these infections were linked to travel from Congo, while five cases were associated with local transmission events. Ugandan health authorities found no evidence of community spread and continued monitoring of travelers and aid workers leaving affected areas during the outbreak.
Diagnostic and treatment efforts expand
There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus. Medical teams focus on providing fluids, oxygen, electrolyte replacements, and other supportive care. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for this virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. Currently, ten laboratories support testing in the affected region, capable of conducting over 2,000 tests daily. Researchers have also launched a clinical trial involving remdesivir and the antibody therapy MBP134.
The Congo government, WHO, and Africa CDC continue to coordinate efforts in surveillance, testing, treatment, safe burials, and community outreach. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and movement through mining areas hinder access to some communities. Strikes by health workers have further disrupted response activities. WHO has received approximately 40% of its $115 million funding appeal. Authorities remain focused on accelerating case detection, as most new infections are still occurring outside identified transmission chains.