KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has expanded into the largest outbreak documented in the country’s history, with health officials reporting a total of 3,605 confirmed cases up to July 30, which includes 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate has been calculated at 44%. During the most recent complete reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections along with 296 deaths, representing the highest weekly figures recorded since the outbreak’s onset. This surge has added considerable strain on efforts related to surveillance, medical treatment, and community intervention initiatives.
Currently, the disease spans 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo, with active transmission reported in thirty-three zones during the last seven days. These zones collectively registered 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with a total of 3,176 infections, which accounts for roughly 88% of the nationwide count. Bunia continues to record the highest number of cases, while other areas such as Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde have also reported significant figures as response teams intensify tracing efforts and testing capacity.
The World Health Organization assesses the risk within DR Congo as very high, while also considering the threat level to Uganda and neighboring nations to be high. Despite this, the overall risk at the regional and global levels remains low. Persistent conflict, displacement, and ongoing population movements continue to hinder effective disease control, with response teams facing challenges such as damaged health facilities, shortages of staff, and limited access to certain communities. These factors have complicated contact tracing, patient transportation, and the distribution of essential supplies.
Contact tracing efforts are insufficient to meet demands
Authorities have identified 17,863 contacts in the five affected provinces, but active monitoring has been maintained for only 13,455 individuals, leaving thousands without consistent follow-up. The outbreak has impacted 151 health workers, resulting in 44 deaths, though 68 have recovered. The government, along with its partners, continues to bolster laboratory testing, improve patient care, and enforce infection control measures, while also supporting logistics, safe burial practices, public education campaigns, and community outreach programs in areas experiencing ongoing transmission.
Bundibugyo virus disease transmits through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms can develop anywhere between two and 21 days after exposure, and patients are not contagious until symptoms manifest. Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for this strain. The primary methods for curbing the spread include rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and conducting safe burials.
Regional health agencies remain vigilant
The World Health Organization officially declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on May 17, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention followed with a continent-wide emergency declaration on May 18. Uganda ceased its local transmission on July 28 after 42 days without new cases, but authorities there continue to implement enhanced surveillance measures due to the regular crossing of people from eastern DR Congo. Screening, preparedness, and laboratory protocols are maintained in areas connected to affected communities. Up to July 30, authorities across all impacted countries reported 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths, with DR Congo accounting for 3,605 cases, Uganda recording 20, and France reporting a single case. Additionally, at least 651 individuals recovered in DR Congo, and 18 recovered in Uganda, with two patients diagnosed in DR Congo receiving treatment in Germany. Most infections and fatalities remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams continue surveillance, clinical management, and community response efforts.