GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of fatalities reported occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration indicated that roughly 60% of the deaths happened within communities. Additionally, there has been approximately 70% rise in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health services are recording over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical care in affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization reported a total of 2,145 confirmed cases and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo had documented 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed infections and two deaths, while France reported a single imported case. Nearly 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The global count also included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak has spread to 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the last 21 days, 38 zones 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 routes within and across borders.
Community fatalities complicate outbreak mitigation efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are hampering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscure the full extent of transmission in certain regions. The agency supports facilities housing 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 has called for enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health authorities had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo for follow-up. Response teams 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, with 61 recovering. Currently, no approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. It spreads via direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance phase
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 period of heightened surveillance before officials can officially declare the outbreak over. No community transmission was detected, with cases linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and left hospital on July 4. Uganda had 18 recoveries from its total of 20 confirmed cases.
Health authorities in Congo, along with WHO and response partners, continue efforts in surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community outreach. Support is also being provided for safe burials and infection control in health facilities. 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 information. Response teams persist in supporting cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing across affected and vulnerable regions.