BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization announced that 80% of new Ebola infections in eastern Congo originate from unknown transmission chains. These patients were not listed on contact tracing lists connected to previously confirmed cases. Health teams 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 significant challenges in controlling the outbreak. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola.
According to recent national figures, Congolese health authorities confirmed 2,011 cases and reported 754 deaths through July 13. The latest daily update recorded 54 new cases and 28 fatalities. Authorities placed 753 individuals in isolation, while 366 had recovered. Response teams were monitoring 67.4% of identified contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Contact follow-up generally continues for 21 days after the last known exposure.
Contact tracing enables health workers to track exposed individuals and facilitate prompt testing when symptoms appear. WHO reported that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths up to 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. It can also spread via contaminated objects or contact with someone who died from the disease.
Outbreak Extends Across Five Congolese Provinces
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 reported 182 cases and 106 deaths in 11 zones. South Kivu recorded three cases and one death. Haut-Uele documented 14 cases and 13 fatalities, while Tshopo had four cases and three deaths. Overall, 45 of 140 health zones across these five provinces have reported infections.
By July 14, Uganda had confirmed 20 cases and two deaths, with 17 recoveries. The last confirmed case in Uganda was on June 21. Among these cases, 15 had travel links to Congo, and five involved local transmission. There was no evidence of community transmission within Uganda. Authorities also tracked imported cases involving travelers or aid workers leaving affected areas in Congo. These cases led to isolation, specialized treatment, and contact monitoring in destination countries.
Enhanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Efforts Underway
Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment. Care primarily involves rapid diagnosis, isolation, fluids, oxygen therapy, electrolyte management, and other supportive measures. WHO added its first molecular diagnostic test for the virus to the Emergency Use Listing on July 2. This test detects viral genetic material in blood samples. Laboratory capacity across affected regions has increased to 10 sites, with a testing capacity exceeding 2,000 tests per day. Researchers have also launched the PARTNERS trial to assess remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Congolese authorities, WHO, and Africa CDC are working together on surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical care, safe burials, contact tracing, and community engagement. Challenges include insecurity, displacement, and heavy movement along mining and trade routes, which hinder access to some communities and health facilities. WHO reported receiving about 40% of the $115 million funding appeal for the response. Officials continue to focus on early detection and rapid isolation, as most new cases are still outside known transmission chains.