KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has expanded into the nation’s most extensive epidemic ever documented. As of July 30, authorities confirmed a total of 3,605 cases, resulting in 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was recorded at 44%. During the most recent complete reporting week, health teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly counts since the outbreak’s inception and indicating ongoing virus dissemination.
Currently, the outbreak affects 49 health zones across five provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the latest seven-day period, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, with 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the primary hotspot, with 3,176 infections, accounting for 88% of the national total. Bunia recorded the highest local case load, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde.
World Health Organization classifies the risk within DR Congo as very high. It also considers the threat to Uganda and neighboring countries to be elevated. Conversely, the agency assesses the risk level for the broader African region and globally as low. Persistent conflict, displacement, and high population mobility continue to hamper efforts to control the disease. Healthcare teams face challenges such as damaged infrastructure, staffing shortages, and limited access to several affected communities.
Health personnel intensify contact tracing and patient support
In the five impacted provinces, DR Congo’s health authorities identified 17,863 contacts. Response teams actively monitor 13,455 individuals, leaving thousands outside routine surveillance. The outbreak has infected 151 healthcare workers and resulted in 44 deaths, with another 68 recovering. Authorities continue to expand testing, improve patient care, reinforce infection prevention measures, and carry out community engagement. They also support safe burials, transportation logistics, supply deliveries, and public information initiatives in zones with ongoing transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms can appear anywhere between two and 21 days following exposure. Patients are not contagious prior to symptom onset. Initial signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Rapid testing, isolation protocols, supportive care, contact tracing, and safe burials remain critical for containing the spread.
Border surveillance activities remain vigilant
The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17, with the World Health Organization issuing a continental emergency declaration the following day. Uganda ended its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without new local transmissions. Nonetheless, officials in Uganda continue heightened surveillance due to frequent cross-border crossings with eastern DR Congo. Screening measures, laboratory readiness, and preparedness efforts remain active in regions linked to affected communities.
By July 30, authorities across all affected nations had confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. Of these, DR Congo accounted for 3,605 cases, Uganda reported 20, and France documented one. Recovery figures include at least 651 patients in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. Additionally, two patients diagnosed in DR Congo received treatment in Germany. Most cases and fatalities are concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams continue active surveillance, treatment, and community intervention efforts.