BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization announced that 80% of newly identified Ebola infections in eastern Congo originate from unknown transmission pathways. These patients were not listed on contact tracing records associated with previously confirmed cases. Local health teams discovered many of these cases only after symptoms, testing, or deaths triggered new alerts. WHO highlighted that this surveillance gap remains one of the most critical issues in managing the outbreak. The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola.
Conakolese health officials reported a total of 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 fatalities up to July 13 according to the latest national figures. The most recent daily update documented 54 new cases and 28 deaths. Authorities currently have 753 patients in isolation, while 366 individuals have recovered. Response efforts are monitoring 67.4% of identified contacts in the regions of Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Normally, contact follow-up continues for 21 days after the last known exposure.
Contact tracing enables health workers to oversee exposed individuals and facilitate prompt testing if symptoms develop. WHO reported that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths through July 5 occurred either in community settings or prior to hospital admission. This suggests delays in detection, referral, isolation, and access to medical care. Ebola transmission occurs through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. It can also be contracted via contaminated objects or contact with someone who has died from the disease.
Outbreak extends across five provinces in Congo
Ituri remains the epicenter, recording 1,808 confirmed cases and 631 deaths. The province has reported infections across 26 of its 36 health zones. North Kivu has documented 182 cases and 106 deaths across 11 zones. South Kivu reported three cases and one fatality. Haut-Uele has 14 cases with 13 deaths, while Tshopo has four cases and three deaths. Overall, 45 out of 140 health zones within these five provinces have reported infections.
Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths as of July 14, with 17 recoveries. The last confirmed case in Uganda was on June 21. Of these cases, 15 had links to travel from Congo, and five were due to local transmission. No documented community spread has been identified within Uganda. Authorities also monitored imported cases involving travelers or aid workers leaving affected areas in Congo. These cases prompted measures such as isolation, specialized treatment, and contact follow-up in the destination countries.
Enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic research efforts underway
Bundibugyo virus currently lacks an approved vaccine or targeted therapy. Treatment primarily involves rapid diagnosis, patient isolation, fluid management, oxygen therapy, electrolyte correction, and supportive care. WHO listed the first molecular diagnostic test for this virus on its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. This test detects viral genetic material in blood samples. Laboratory capacity across affected regions has expanded to 10 sites, capable of processing over 2,000 tests daily. Additionally, the PARTNERS trial has been launched to assess the efficacy of remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Coordination efforts between Congolese authorities, WHO, and Africa CDC include surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical management, safe burial practices, contact tracing, and community engagement. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and high movement along mining and trade routes hinder access to some communities and health facilities. WHO has reported receiving approximately 40% of the $115 million funding appeal for the response. Officials continue emphasizing early detection and swift isolation, as most new cases occur outside known transmission chains.