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 roughly 60% of the deaths happened within communities. Additionally, there was approximately a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Healthcare systems are experiencing more than 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hindered access to medical care in affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 fatalities across all impacted nations. As of July 15, DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths. Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France reported a single imported case. Recovery figures included at least 410 patients, with 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The total worldwide also includes two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who 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 last 21 days, 38 zones reported cases. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections and over 83% of deaths. The largest case counts in the province have been recorded in Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. These five provinces include key internal and cross-border transit routes.
Community fatalities hinder outbreak management efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access are delaying early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles make it difficult to determine the full extent of virus transmission in some regions. The agency supports facilities housing nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowding and frequent population movements further complicate screening, contact tracing, and referrals to treatment centers. The organization emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
As of July 15, health authorities had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo for follow-up. Response teams had managed to reach 10,195 of these contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers and resulted in 36 deaths, with 61 workers having recovered. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus disease, which spreads via direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials.
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 beginning of a 42-day period of enhanced monitoring, during which authorities can officially declare the outbreak over. No community transmission has been detected in Uganda, where cases were linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and was discharged on July 4. Uganda’s recoveries totaled 18 out of 20 confirmed cases.
Concurrently, Congolese health officials, WHO, and response partners continue ongoing surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. Efforts also focus on ensuring safe burials and infection prevention in healthcare facilities. WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high within DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low on a global scale. No travel or trade restrictions have been recommended based on current information. Response teams maintain cross-border preparedness initiatives and laboratory testing efforts in affected and at-risk regions.