BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization indicated that 80% of newly identified Ebola infections in eastern Congo originate from unknown transmission chains. These patients were not listed among contact records linked to previously confirmed cases. Health workers discovered many of these cases only after symptoms, testing, or fatalities prompted new alerts. WHO emphasized that the surveillance gap remains among the most critical challenges in controlling the outbreak. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola.
The Congolese health authorities reported a total of 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 deaths as of July 13 according to the latest national figures. The most recent daily update noted 54 new cases and 28 fatalities. Authorities are currently isolating 753 patients, while 366 individuals have recovered. Response teams are monitoring 67.4% of identified contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Typically, contact follow-up continues for 21 days after the last known exposure.
Effective contact tracing enables health workers to observe exposed individuals and facilitate prompt testing upon symptom emergence. WHO reported that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths through July 5 occurred either in communities or prior to hospital admission. This highlights delays in detection, referral, isolation, and access to healthcare. Ebola transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. The disease can also spread via contaminated objects or contact with someone who has died from the infection.
Outbreak Extends to Five Provinces in Congo
Ituri continues to be the epicenter, with 1,808 confirmed cases and 631 deaths. Infections have been reported in 26 of its 36 health zones. North Kivu has recorded 182 cases and 106 deaths across 11 health zones. South Kivu reports three cases and one death. Haut-Uele has 14 cases and 13 deaths, while Tshopo reports four cases and three deaths. Overall, 45 out of 140 health zones across the five provinces have reported infections.
By July 14, Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, with 17 recoveries. The latest case in Uganda was identified on June 21. Of these cases, 15 had travel links to Congo, and five involved local transmission. No documented community transmission has been reported in Uganda. Authorities also tracked imported cases involving travelers or aid workers leaving infected Congolese regions. These cases led to isolation, specialized treatment, and contact monitoring in the destination countries.
Enhanced Diagnostics and Research into Treatments Underway
Bundibugyo virus currently lacks a licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment. Care strategies focus on quick diagnosis, isolation, fluids, oxygen therapy, electrolyte management, and other supportive measures. WHO officially added the first molecular diagnostic test for this virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. This test detects viral genetic material in blood samples. Laboratory capacity has increased to 10 sites across affected provinces, capable of performing over 2,000 tests daily. Additionally, the PARTNERS trial has been initiated to evaluate remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Congolese health authorities, WHO, and Africa CDC are working together on surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical care, safe burials, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts. The response efforts are challenged by insecurity, displacement, and widespread movement through mining and trade routes, which hinder access to some communities and health facilities. WHO reported that it had secured about 40% of the $115 million appeal aimed at supporting the response. Authorities continue to prioritize early detection and swift isolation, as most new cases are still outside known chains of transmission.