BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization indicated that 80% of new Ebola infections in eastern Congo originate from unknown transmission sources. These cases did not appear on contact tracing lists linked to previously confirmed patients. Health officials only identified many of these cases after symptoms, testing, or fatalities prompted new alerts. WHO emphasized that the surveillance gap remains one of the most critical issues in controlling the outbreak. The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola.
Congolese health authorities reported a total of 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 deaths as of July 13 in their latest national report. The most recent daily update recorded 54 new cases and 28 fatalities. Authorities placed 753 individuals in isolation, while 366 had recovered. Response teams monitored 67.4% of identified contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Typically, contact monitoring is maintained for 21 days after the last known exposure.
Contact tracing enables health workers to observe exposed individuals and swiftly conduct testing when symptoms appear. WHO reported that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths through July 5 occurred either in communities or prior to hospital admission. This highlights delays in detection, referral, isolation, and access to healthcare. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. It can also spread via contaminated objects or contact with someone who succumbed to the disease.
The outbreak now affects five provinces in Congo
Ituri remains the epicenter, with 1,808 confirmed cases and 631 deaths. Infections have been reported across 26 of its 36 health zones. North Kivu recorded 182 cases and 106 deaths across 11 zones. South Kivu reported three cases and one death. Haut-Uele had 14 cases and 13 deaths, while Tshopo recorded four cases and three deaths. Overall, 45 out of 140 health zones across these five provinces have reported infections.
Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by July 14, with 17 recoveries. The latest confirmed case in Uganda was on June 21. Out of these, 15 cases were linked to travel from Congo, and five involved local transmission. No documented community transmission has been reported within Uganda. Authorities also traced imported cases involving travelers or aid workers leaving affected regions in Congo. Those cases prompted isolation, specialized treatment, and contact monitoring in the destination countries.
Expanded efforts in diagnostics and therapeutic research underway
Bundibugyo virus currently lacks an approved vaccine or specific licensed treatment. Management focuses on rapid diagnosis, isolation, fluids, oxygen, electrolyte replacement, and other supportive care. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for this virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. The test detects viral genetic material in blood samples. Laboratory capacity across affected regions has been increased to 10 sites, with a testing capacity exceeding 2,000 samples daily. Additionally, researchers launched the PARTNERS trial to evaluate remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Congolese authorities, WHO, and Africa CDC are working together to coordinate surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical care, safe burials, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts. Challenges include insecurity, displacement, and high movement through mining and trade routes, which disrupt access to some communities and health facilities. WHO reported receiving approximately 40% of a $115 million funding appeal aimed at supporting the response. Officials continue to emphasize early detection and rapid isolation, as most new cases are still occurring outside known transmission chains.