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 approximately 60% of reported deaths happened within communities. Additionally, there was around a 70% rise in confirmed cases over the last two weeks. Health systems are monitoring more than 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical care across the affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo accounted for 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda had recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France reported one imported case. A total of at least 410 patients had recovered, with 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The worldwide total also included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who later received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak has spread across 46 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. During the previous 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 recorded the highest case numbers within the province. These five provinces are critical due to their key internal and cross-border transit routes.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are delaying early detection and treatment. These obstacles obscure the full extent of the transmission in certain regions. The agency supports facilities sheltering nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded conditions and frequent population movements hinder effective screening, contact tracing, and referrals to treatment centers. The organization has emphasized the need 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 managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through active monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has affected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, while 61 workers have recovered. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment available for diseases caused by the Bundibugyo virus. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda initiates intensified 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 period of heightened surveillance, during which authorities aim to declare the outbreak officially over. No community transmission has been identified in Uganda, with cases primarily linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary cases following the recovery and hospital discharge of its imported patient on July 4. Uganda has recorded 18 recoveries out of its 20 confirmed cases.
Concurrently, health officials in DR Congo, WHO, and response partners are maintaining active surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts. Support is also provided for safe burial practices and infection control within health facilities. The WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low on a global scale. Based on current information, the organization has not recommended travel or trade restrictions. Response teams continue to reinforce cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing across affected and at-risk regions.