KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak within DR Congo has reached its most extensive level ever documented. According to health officials, confirmed cases totaled 3,605 as of July 30, with 1,587 resulting in fatalities. The case fatality rate stood at 44%. During the most recent complete reporting week, teams recorded 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the epidemic’s onset. The rise in cases has further strained efforts in surveillance, treatment, and community engagement.
The outbreak now affects 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. In the latest seven-day window, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, which documented 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter, with 3,176 infections—comprising 88% of the national total. Bunia recorded the highest case count, while Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde also reported significant numbers as health teams intensified contact tracing and testing efforts.
The World Health Organization assesses the internal risk within DR Congo as very high, considering the threat to Uganda and other neighboring nations to be high as well. Meanwhile, broader risks across Africa and globally remain low. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and population movements continue to impede control measures. Response teams face additional challenges due to damaged infrastructure, staff shortages, and restricted access to certain communities, complicating contact tracing, patient transportation, and supply distribution.
Contact tracing efforts are falling short
A total of 17,863 contacts have been identified across the five affected provinces. Out of these, 13,455 are under active monitoring, leaving thousands without consistent follow-up. The outbreak has led to infections among 151 healthcare workers and resulted in 44 deaths. Meanwhile, 68 health workers have recovered. The government and partners continue to strengthen laboratory testing, patient management, and infection prevention measures, alongside supporting logistics, safe burials, public awareness initiatives, and community outreach in areas with ongoing transmission.
Bundibugyo virus spreads primarily through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, tissues, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically appear between two and 21 days post-exposure. Patients do not transmit the virus before symptoms develop. Early indicators include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and sore throat. There is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for this strain. The main methods to curb transmission remain rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burial practices.
Regional health agencies stay alert
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international public health emergency, followed by a continent-wide emergency declaration from Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention the next day. Uganda ceased its local outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new transmissions, but continues heightened surveillance due to frequent cross-border movements with eastern DR Congo. Authorities maintain screening, preparedness, and laboratory measures in areas linked to affected communities.
By July 30, authorities across all affected nations verified 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. DR Congo reported 3,605 cases, with Uganda recording 20, and France registering one. Recoveries included at least 651 patients in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities are concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams persist with surveillance, clinical care, and community response activities.