GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with a majority of fatalities occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of the deaths took place within communities. Additionally, there was around a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health services are detecting more than 40 new infections daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hampered access to medical care across the affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo accounted for 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France confirmed one imported case. Recoveries numbered at least 410, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The global count also includes two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak has affected 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. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu have recorded the highest case numbers within the province. These five provinces are key transit points for internal and cross-border movement.
Community fatalities hinder outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are hindering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscure the true extent of the virus’s spread in some regions. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowding and ongoing population movements complicate screening, contact tracing, and referrals to treatment centers. It has called for enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health authorities had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams had reached 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and caused 36 deaths, with 61 workers having recovered. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus-induced disease. The virus transmits via direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated objects.
Uganda initiates heightened surveillance measures
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 enhanced surveillance period, after which authorities can officially declare the outbreak concluded. No community transmission was detected within Uganda, with cases mainly linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary cases following the recovery and discharge of its imported patient on July 4. Uganda’s recoveries totaled 18 out of 20 confirmed cases.
Health authorities in DR Congo, WHO, and response teams continue active surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts. Support is ongoing for safe burial practices and infection control in healthcare settings. WHO assesses 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 recommended travel or trade restrictions based on current data. Efforts remain focused on cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing across affected and at-risk areas.