KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has expanded to become the largest recorded epidemic in the country’s history. As of July 30, health officials reported a total of 3,605 confirmed cases, resulting in 1,587 fatalities. The overall case fatality rate was calculated at 44%. During the most recent complete reporting week, response teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the onset of the outbreak. This increase has added significant strain to surveillance, treatment, and community intervention initiatives.
The virus now affects 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo provinces. In the latest seven-day period, active transmission was reported in 33 zones, which collectively recorded 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri continues to be the outbreak’s epicenter, with 3,176 infections, making up 88% of the national total. Bunia registered the highest number of cases, while other areas such as Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde reported substantial figures as health teams ramped up contact tracing and testing efforts.
The World Health Organization classifies the risk within DR Congo as very high. It also considers the threat to Uganda and neighboring countries to be high. Meanwhile, the risk level across Africa and globally remains low. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and continuous population movements impede efforts to control the disease. Response teams are also contending with damaged infrastructure, shortages of staff, and limited access to certain communities, complicating contact tracing, transportation of patients, and delivery of critical supplies.
Contact tracing efforts are falling short of needs
A total of 17,863 contacts have been identified in the five impacted provinces, but only 13,455 are under active surveillance, leaving thousands unmonitored. The outbreak has affected 151 healthcare workers, with 44 fatalities and 68 survivors. The government and its partners continue to bolster laboratory testing, patient management, and infection prevention measures. Additionally, efforts focus on logistics, safe burials, public awareness campaigns, and outreach in communities experiencing active transmission.
Bundibugyo virus spreads primarily through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Symptoms tend to develop within two to 21 days after exposure. Importantly, patients do not spread the virus before symptoms appear. Early indications include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and a sore throat. Currently, no approved vaccine or specific treatment is available for this strain. The main containment strategies remain rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing, and ensuring safe burials.
Regional health authorities remain vigilant in ongoing monitoring
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international public health emergency. The following day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also issued a continent-wide emergency declaration. Uganda successfully concluded its domestic Ebola outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without any new local transmissions. Authorities continue enhanced surveillance due to frequent cross-border crossings from eastern DR Congo. Measures such as screening, preparedness, and laboratory testing remain in effect in affected areas.
As of July 30, authorities across all impacted nations confirmed a total of 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths. DR Congo accounted for the vast majority with 3,605 cases, while Uganda reported 20 and France 1. 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 infections and fatalities continue to be concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where health teams maintain surveillance, clinical care, and community response activities.
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