GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of fatalities occurring outside health facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of the deaths happened within community settings. Additionally, there has been about a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health services are experiencing more than 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement are hampering access to healthcare 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 had documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France announced one imported case. A total of at least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The global count also includes two patients diagnosed in DR Congo but treated in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak has spread across 46 health zones within the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the past 21 days, 38 zones have reported cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of deaths. The largest case numbers in the province are in Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. These five provinces are key transit corridors, both domestically and across borders.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are hampering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles make it difficult to fully assess the extent of the virus’s spread in certain regions. The agency supports facilities accommodating nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowding and frequent population 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 for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams had managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and resulted in 36 deaths, while 61 recovered. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance measures
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21, and its last patient was discharged on July 16. This marks the beginning of a 42-day period of heightened surveillance, after which authorities can officially declare the outbreak over. No community transmission has been detected in Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France reported no secondary infections following the recovery and discharge of its imported patient on July 4. Uganda has seen 18 recoveries from its 20 confirmed cases.
Meanwhile, Congolese health officials, WHO, and response partners continue active surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. Efforts are also underway to promote safe burials and improve infection control in healthcare facilities. WHO classifies the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low on a global scale. The organization has not advised any travel or trade restrictions based on current data. Response teams persist in supporting cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing across affected and vulnerable regions.