GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded sharply, with most reported deaths occurring outside health facilities. The International Organization for Migration said about 60% of reported deaths took place in communities. It also reported about 70% growth in confirmed cases during the previous two weeks. Health systems were recording more than 40 new cases each day. Conflict and displacement have disrupted access to care across affected areas.
The World Health Organization reported 2,145 confirmed cases and 830 deaths across all affected countries by mid-July. DR Congo accounted for 2,124 cases and 828 deaths as of July 15. Uganda had recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France had reported one imported case. At least 410 patients had recovered, including 390 in DR Congo and 18 in Uganda. The global total included two patients diagnosed in DR Congo before receiving treatment in Germany.
The Ebola outbreak had reached 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo provinces. Thirty-eight zones had reported cases during the previous 21 days. Ituri remained the center of the outbreak, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed cases and more than 83% of deaths. Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu recorded the largest case totals in the province. The five affected provinces include important internal and cross-border travel routes.
Community deaths strain outbreak response
The migration agency said insecurity, displacement and limited health access were delaying early detection and treatment. It said those barriers left the full scale of transmission unclear in some areas. The agency supports sites housing nearly 150,000 displaced people in eastern DR Congo. Crowded conditions and frequent population movements complicate screening, contact tracing and referral to treatment centers. The organization called for stronger surveillance at border crossings and along the Congo River.
Health authorities had identified 12,693 contacts for follow-up across Ituri, North Kivu and Tshopo by July 15. Response teams had reached 10,195 of those contacts through monitoring and field visits. The outbreak had infected 119 health workers and killed 36, while 61 workers had recovered. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials.
Uganda begins enhanced surveillance period
Uganda reported no new confirmed case after June 21 and discharged its last patient on July 16. The discharge started a 42-day period of enhanced surveillance before authorities can declare the outbreak over. Officials found no community transmission in Uganda, where 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. Uganda had recorded 18 recoveries from its 20 confirmed cases.
Congolese health authorities, WHO and response partners continue surveillance, testing, case management, contact tracing and community outreach. Teams are also supporting safe burials and infection control in health facilities. WHO rates the outbreak risk as very high in DR Congo, high in Uganda and neighboring countries, and low globally. The organization has not recommended travel or trade restrictions based on available information. Response agencies continue supporting cross-border preparedness and laboratory testing across affected and at-risk areas.