GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with a majority of deaths reported occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration indicated that roughly 60% of the fatalities happened within communities. Additionally, there was approximately a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health systems are now recording over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical care across the affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across all impacted countries. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France reported a single imported case. A total of at least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The overall global count includes two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who later received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak has impacted 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the past 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 have recorded the highest case numbers within the province. The five provinces affected are key transit regions, both within the country and across borders.
Community Fatalities Hamper Outbreak Control Efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are hampering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscure the true extent of virus transmission in some areas. The agency supports sites accommodating nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded conditions and frequent population movements hinder effective screening, contact tracing, and referrals to treatment centers. The organization urged enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health officials had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams had reached 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers, causing 36 deaths, while 61 have recovered. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment available for Bundibugyo virus disease. The virus transmits through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda Initiates Enhanced Monitoring Period
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its final patient on July 16. This marked the start of a 42-day heightened surveillance period before the authorities can declare the outbreak over. Officials confirmed no community transmission in Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary cases following the recovery and hospital discharge of its imported patient on July 4. Uganda has seen 18 recoveries among its 20 confirmed cases.
Health authorities in DR Congo, in collaboration with WHO and response partners, continue to conduct surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement activities. Efforts are ongoing to support safe burials and reinforce infection control measures in healthcare facilities. WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring nations, and low on a global scale. The organization has not advised travel or trade restrictions based on current data. Cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing efforts persist across affected and at-risk areas.