BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization announced that 80% of recent Ebola cases in eastern Congo stem from unknown transmission routes. These individuals were not listed on contact tracing lists associated with previously confirmed cases. Health teams only identified many of these cases after symptoms appeared, testing was conducted, or deaths occurred, prompting new alerts. WHO emphasized that the surveillance gap remains one of the most critical challenges in containing the outbreak. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola.
According to the latest national report, Congolese health officials confirmed 2,011 cases and 754 deaths as of July 13. The most recent daily update recorded 54 new cases and 28 fatalities. Authorities are maintaining 753 patients in isolation, while 366 individuals have recovered. Response teams are monitoring 67.4% of identified contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Contact follow-up typically continues for 21 days after the last known exposure.
Contact tracing enables health workers to observe exposed individuals and facilitate prompt testing when symptoms emerge. WHO noted that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths through July 5 occurred either in communities or prior to hospital admission. This indicates delays in detection, referral, isolation, and access to healthcare. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, and also via contaminated objects or contact with someone who has died from the infection.
Outbreak Spreads to Five Provinces in Congo
Ituri continues to be the epicenter, with 1,808 confirmed cases and 631 deaths. The province has reported infections across 26 of its 36 health zones. North Kivu has recorded 182 cases and 106 deaths across 11 zones. South Kivu reported three cases and one death. Haut-Uele documented 14 cases and 13 deaths, while Tshopo reported four cases and three deaths. Overall, 45 out of 140 health zones across the five provinces have reported infections.
In Uganda, 20 confirmed cases and two deaths had been reported by July 14, with 17 recoveries. The last confirmed case in Uganda was recorded on June 21. Of these cases, 15 had travel links to Congo, and five involved local transmission. No documented community transmission has been identified in Uganda. Additionally, health officials tracked imported cases involving travelers or aid workers leaving affected areas in Congo, leading to isolation, specialized treatment, and contact monitoring in those destinations.
Enhanced Diagnostics and Treatment Research Initiatives
Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment options. Patient care mainly involves rapid diagnosis, isolation, fluid therapy, oxygen support, electrolyte replacement, and other clinical interventions. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for this virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. This test detects viral genetic material in blood samples. Laboratory capacity across affected regions has expanded to 10 sites, with a reported testing capacity exceeding 2,000 tests each day. Researchers have also launched the PARTNERS trial to assess remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Coordination efforts among Congolese authorities, WHO, and Africa CDC include surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical management, safe burials, contact tracing, and community engagement. Response teams encounter challenges due to insecurity, displacement, and significant movement through mining and trade routes, which hinder access to some communities and health facilities. WHO reported receiving approximately 40% of a $115 million funding appeal for the response. Authorities continue to focus on early detection and rapid isolation, as most new cases are still occurring outside known transmission chains.