GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with a majority of deaths reported occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration indicated that approximately 60% of the fatalities happened in communities. Additionally, there was about a 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past fortnight. Health services were detecting more than 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement have hampered access to medical care across affected regions.
By mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed infections and 830 fatalities across all impacted countries. 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 one imported case. Recoveries totaled at least 410 patients, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The global count also included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo who received treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak affected 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. During the previous 21 days, 38 zones had reported cases. Ituri remained the epicenter, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed cases and over 83% of deaths. The largest case numbers in the province were recorded in Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. These five provinces are key transit points for both internal and cross-border movement.
Community fatalities challenge outbreak containment efforts
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access have hindered early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles have obscured the true extent of transmission in some regions. The agency currently supports sites accommodating nearly 150,000 displaced individuals in eastern DR Congo. Overcrowding and frequent population shifts 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 officials 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 and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, while 61 workers have recovered. No approved vaccine or specific treatment is available for the disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily 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 heightened surveillance period, during which authorities monitor for any new cases before declaring the outbreak over. No community transmission was identified in Uganda, with cases linked to cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and was discharged on July 4. Uganda’s recoveries reached 18 out of 20 confirmed cases.
Concerning efforts continue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with WHO and response partners maintaining surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. Teams are also working on safe burials and infection prevention in health facilities. The WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low worldwide. The organization has not advised any travel or trade restrictions based on current data. Response agencies persist in supporting cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing in affected and at-risk areas.