GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded rapidly across several eastern provinces. Most reported deaths have occurred outside hospitals and treatment centers. The International Organization for Migration said about 60% of deaths took place within communities. Confirmed cases also rose about 70% during the previous two weeks. Health authorities were recording more than 40 new infections each day as conflict and displacement restricted access to medical care.
The World Health Organization counted 2,145 confirmed Ebola cases and 830 deaths across all affected countries by mid-July. DR Congo reported 2,124 cases and 828 deaths as of July 15. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. France registered one imported case linked to the outbreak. At least 410 patients recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Two patients diagnosed in Congo later received treatment in Germany.
The outbreak reached 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo provinces. Thirty-eight zones reported recent cases during the previous 21 days. Ituri remained the main center, with nearly 90% of confirmed infections. The province also accounted for more than 83% of reported deaths. Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu recorded the highest case totals in Ituri. Major roads and cross-border routes connect many affected communities with nearby population centers.
Community deaths complicate detection and care
The International Organization for Migration said insecurity and repeated displacement were delaying diagnosis, treatment and contact tracing. Limited access left some communities without reliable screening or referral services. The agency supports sites that house nearly 150,000 displaced people in eastern DR Congo. Crowded settlements and frequent travel increase the difficulty of tracking exposed residents. The organization also supports surveillance at border crossings and transport routes, including areas along the Congo River.
Congolese health teams identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up across Ituri, North Kivu and Tshopo by July 15. Response workers reached 10,195 contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak infected 119 health workers and killed 36, while 61 recovered. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for illness caused by the Bundibugyo virus. Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated objects or the remains of people who died from the disease.
Uganda enters enhanced surveillance period
Uganda reported no new confirmed infection after June 21 and discharged its final Ebola patient on July 16. The discharge began a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Authorities can declare the outbreak over after that period without another confirmed case. Ugandan officials found no evidence of wider community transmission. The country’s cases involved cross-border movement and health care exposure. France reported no secondary transmission after its imported patient recovered and left hospital on July 4.
Congolese authorities, the World Health Organization and partner agencies continue testing, treatment, contact tracing and public health outreach. Teams also support safe burials and stronger infection controls inside health facilities. WHO rates the Ebola risk as very high in DR Congo and high in Uganda and neighboring countries. The organization considers the global risk low. It has not recommended travel or trade restrictions. Response teams continue cross-border surveillance, laboratory testing and community monitoring in affected and high-risk areas.