KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has reached its largest scale on record. Authorities reported 3,605 confirmed cases as of July 30, with 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly totals since the outbreak began. This surge has intensified pressure on efforts for surveillance, treatment, and community response.
The outbreak now affects 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. In the latest seven-day period, 33 zones experienced active transmission, totaling 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter, with 3,176 cases, representing 88% of the national count. Bunia reported the highest number of cases, while Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde also saw significant figures as health teams expanded contact tracing and testing efforts.
The World Health Organization assesses the risk within DR Congo as very high, also warning of a high threat level for Uganda and neighboring nations. The broader African and global risk remains low. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and population movements continue to impede containment efforts. Challenges include damaged healthcare facilities, staffing shortages, and restricted access to certain communities, complicating contact tracing, patient transfers, and the supply of vital resources.
Contact tracing remains inadequate
Authorities have identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Of these, 13,455 are under active monitoring, leaving many outside regular follow-up. The outbreak has infected 151 healthcare workers and caused 44 deaths; 68 health workers have recovered. The government and partners are working to improve laboratory testing, patient management, and infection prevention, alongside supporting logistics, safe burials, public awareness, and community outreach in areas with ongoing transmission.
Bundibugyo virus spreads through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically develop between two and 21 days after exposure, and patients do not transmit the virus before symptoms appear. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain. Rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials are essential to limit its spread.
Regional health agencies stay alert
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global health emergency on May 17, followed by a continental emergency declaration from Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention the next day. Uganda declared the end of its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without local transmission, but maintains enhanced surveillance due to frequent cross-border movement with eastern DR Congo. Health authorities continue screening, preparedness, and laboratory measures in connected regions.
By July 30, confirmed cases across all affected countries reached 3,626, with 1,589 deaths. DR Congo reported 3,605 cases, Uganda 20, and France one. At least 651 patients recovered in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. Most cases and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where ongoing surveillance, clinical care, and community response efforts persist.