GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a significant escalation, with the majority of deaths reported occurring outside healthcare facilities. The International Organization for Migration noted that approximately 60% of the fatalities happened within communities. Additionally, it reported about 70% increase in confirmed cases over the past two weeks. Health services are witnessing more than 40 new cases daily. Ongoing conflict and displacement are hampering access to medical care across the affected regions.
As of mid-July, the World Health Organization documented 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 related deaths across all impacted nations. In DR Congo alone, there were 2,124 cases and 828 deaths by July 15. Uganda had reported 20 confirmed infections and two fatalities, while France recorded a single imported case. A total of at least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Globally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo had received treatment in Germany prior to recovery.
The Ebola outbreak had spread across 46 health zones in 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 were recorded in Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. These five provinces include key internal and cross-border transit routes.
Community fatalities increase pressure on outbreak management
The migration agency highlighted that insecurity, population displacement, and limited healthcare access are hindering early detection and treatment efforts. These obstacles obscure 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 hinder effective screening, contact tracing, and referrals to treatment centers. The organization urged enhanced surveillance at border points and along the Congo River.
By July 15, health officials had identified 12,693 contacts for monitoring across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Response teams managed to reach 10,195 contacts through active monitoring and field visits. The outbreak has infected 119 healthcare workers, resulting in 36 deaths, with 61 having recovered. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, which spreads via direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated objects.
Uganda initiates intensified surveillance phase
Uganda reported no new confirmed cases after June 21 and discharged its last patient on July 16. This marks the beginning of a 42-day enhanced surveillance period before officials can officially declare the outbreak over. No community transmission was detected in Uganda, although some cases involved cross-border movement and healthcare exposure. France also reported no secondary transmissions after its imported patient recovered and left hospital on July 4. Uganda’s health authorities recorded 18 recoveries out of 20 confirmed cases.
Congo’s health officials, WHO, and partners continue ongoing surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts. Support is also provided for safe burials and infection prevention in healthcare settings. WHO classifies the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low on a global scale. Based on current data, no travel or trade restrictions have been recommended. Response teams remain active in cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing across the affected and vulnerable zones.