GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with a majority of the fatalities reported occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration indicated that roughly 60% of the deaths happened within communities. Additionally, confirmed cases surged by approximately 70% over the past two weeks. Health authorities have been recording over 40 new cases daily, while conflict and displacement have hampered 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 nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, with France reporting a single imported case. Recovery figures totaled at least 410, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The overall count also included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who 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. The districts of Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu have registered the highest case counts within the province. The five provinces affected are key transit routes for internal and cross-border travel.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, population displacement, and limited healthcare access are hindering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscure the true extent of transmission in some regions. The agency manages sites housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowding and frequent movements hinder effective screening, contact tracing, and referrals to treatment centers. The organization emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health officials had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo for follow-up. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers, causing 36 deaths, while 61 have recovered. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus disease, which spreads via direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates heightened surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last patient on July 16. This marked the beginning of a 42-day period of intensified surveillance before the authorities can declare the outbreak over. No community transmission has been identified in Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border travel and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and left the hospital on July 4. Uganda had confirmed 20 cases, with 18 recoveries.
Concurrently, Congolese health officials, WHO, and response teams continue efforts in surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. Support is ongoing for safe burials and infection prevention in healthcare facilities. WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring nations, and low globally. The organization has not advised travel or trade restrictions based on current data. Cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing efforts remain a priority in affected and at-risk areas.