GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of deaths reported occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration indicated that approximately 60% of the fatalities took place within communities. Additionally, there was an estimated 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health services are experiencing over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement hinder access to medical care throughout the affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo alone, there were 2,124 cases and 828 deaths as of July 15. Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France documented one imported case. A total of at least 410 individuals had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The overall global count included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak had extended to 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the previous 21 days, 38 of these zones reported cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu are the most affected locations within the province. The five provinces affected are key transit points for both internal and cross-border movement.
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 obscure the true extent of transmission in certain areas. The agency supports facilities accommodating nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded living conditions and frequent population shifts complicate efforts for screening, contact tracing, and referral to treatment centers. The organization urged for increased 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 managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field assessments. The outbreak has affected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, while 61 have recovered. No approved vaccine or specific treatment is available for infections caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance measures
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its final patient on July 16. This marked the beginning of a 42-day period of heightened surveillance before officials can officially declare the outbreak over. Authorities found no evidence of community transmission within Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border activities 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 its 20 confirmed cases.
Concurrently, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with WHO and response partners, continue active surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. They are also supporting safe burial practices and infection control measures in healthcare facilities. The WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring nations, and low globally. No travel or trade restrictions have been recommended based on current information. Efforts persist in bolstering cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing across affected and vulnerable areas.