KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has now become the largest ever recorded in the country’s history. By July 30, health officials reported a total of 3,605 confirmed cases, resulting in 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate stood at 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s inception. This surge has intensified pressure on efforts related to surveillance, patient treatment, and community engagement.
The outbreak now affects 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. Active transmission was reported in 33 zones during the latest seven-day period, with 641 new cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter, with 3,176 infections—accounting for 88% of the national total. Bunia recorded the highest number of cases, while Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde also reported significant case numbers as health teams expanded tracing and testing efforts.
The World Health Organization assesses the risk within DR Congo as very high and considers the threat level to Uganda and neighboring countries as high. Meanwhile, the risk at the regional and global levels remains low. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and population movement continue to hamper efforts to contain the disease. Response teams are also facing challenges such as damaged infrastructure, staffing shortages, and restricted access to certain communities, complicating contact tracing, patient transfers, and the delivery of essential supplies.
Contact Tracing Falls Short of Requirements
Authorities have identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Of these, 13,455 are under active monitoring, leaving thousands outside of routine follow-up. The outbreak has infected 151 health workers and caused 44 deaths, with another 68 health professionals having recovered. The government and its partners continue efforts to enhance laboratory testing, patient care, and infection prevention measures, alongside supporting logistics, safe burials, public awareness campaigns, and outreach in communities with active transmission.
Bundibugyo virus disease transmits through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, tissues, or contaminated materials. Symptoms can develop between two and 21 days following exposure. Patients are not contagious before symptoms appear. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and a sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain. Rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials are the primary methods used to limit the spread of the virus.
Regional Health Authorities Remain Alert
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a continent-wide emergency declaration. Uganda concluded its local outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new transmission. Authorities there maintain heightened surveillance due to frequent cross-border crossings from eastern DR Congo. Additionally, health officials continue to implement screening, preparedness, and laboratory measures in areas connected to affected communities.
As of July 30, authorities across all affected nations confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. DR Congo reported 3,605 cases, Uganda 20, and France one. Recoveries included at least 651 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Furthermore, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. The majority of infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams persist with surveillance, clinical care, and community response activities.