KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has expanded to become the largest documented outbreak in the country’s history. According to health officials, a total of 3,605 confirmed instances were reported by July 30, with 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate reached 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s inception. This spike intensified the strain on surveillance, treatment facilities, and community response efforts.
Currently, cases are detected across 49 health zones within Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the latest seven-day span, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, which registered 641 cases and 282 fatalities. Ituri remains the epicenter, with 3,176 infections—comprising 88% of the nation’s total. Bunia experienced the highest number of cases, while Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde also saw significant counts as health teams intensified tracing and testing efforts.
The World Health Organization classifies the risk within DR Congo as very high. It also perceives the danger as high for Uganda and other neighboring countries affected by the outbreak. Meanwhile, the overall risk in Africa and globally remains low. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and population movement continue to obstruct disease control initiatives. Additionally, response teams face challenges such as damaged facilities, staff shortages, and limited access to certain communities, which complicate contact tracing, patient transportation, and the distribution of essential supplies.
Challenges Persist in Contact Tracing Efforts
A total of 17,863 contacts have been identified across the five affected provinces. Of these, 13,455 are under active monitoring, leaving thousands without consistent follow-up. The outbreak has resulted in 151 health worker infections and 44 deaths, although 68 health workers have recovered. To address these issues, the government and its partners continue to bolster laboratory testing, patient treatment, and infection prevention measures. They are also supporting logistics, safe burials, public information campaigns, and community outreach where active transmission persists.
Bundibugyo virus disease transmits through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated objects. Symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure. Patients do not spread the virus before symptoms manifest. Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, no approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain. The primary methods to contain the spread involve rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burial procedures.
Health agencies in the region remain vigilant
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global health emergency. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced a continental emergency response. Uganda declared the end of its local outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new cases. Nonetheless, authorities continue to maintain heightened surveillance due to regular cross-border movements with eastern DR Congo. Screening, preparedness, and laboratory activities are actively sustained in areas linked to affected communities.
By July 30, all affected countries had reported 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. DR Congo alone accounted for 3,605 cases, with Uganda recording 20 and France reporting one. Recovery figures show at least 651 patients in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams continue active surveillance, clinical care, and community engagement efforts.