GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of fatalities occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 60% of the deaths happened in communities. Additionally, there was about a 70% rise in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health facilities were registering over 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical care in the affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across the impacted countries. As of July 15, DR Congo accounted for 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France had documented one imported case. Recovery figures included at least 410 patients, with 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The total global count also included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who later received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak has affected 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the previous 21 days, 38 zones reported cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, responsible for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of deaths. Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu are among the municipalities with the highest case numbers within the province. The five provinces impacted are key transit routes for internal and cross-border movement.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access have hampered early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles have obscured the full extent of virus transmission in some regions. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowded living conditions and frequent population shifts complicate screening, contact tracing, and referrals to treatment centers. The organization urged 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 monitoring activities and field visits. The outbreak has affected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 recovering. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for infections caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which transmits through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated objects.
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 start of a 42-day intensified monitoring period before officials can officially declare the outbreak over. No community transmission was detected in Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France reported no secondary cases following the recovery and discharge of its imported patient on July 4. Uganda’s recoveries totaled 18 out of 20 confirmed cases.
In the meantime, Congolese health authorities, WHO, and response partners continue active surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts. Teams are also supporting safe burials and infection prevention measures in healthcare settings. WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low globally. The organization has not advised travel or trade restrictions based on current data. Cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing initiatives are ongoing in affected and at-risk regions to contain the spread.