BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization announced that 80% of recent Ebola cases in eastern Congo originate from unknown transmission sources. These individuals did not appear on contact tracing lists associated with previously confirmed cases. Health teams only became aware of many new cases after symptoms, testing, or deaths triggered alerts. WHO emphasized that the surveillance gap remains one of the most critical challenges in controlling the outbreak. The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola.
According to the latest national report, Congolese health authorities confirmed 2,011 cases and 754 deaths up to July 13. The most recent daily update recorded 54 new cases and 28 fatalities. Authorities have kept 753 patients in isolation, while 366 individuals have recovered. Response teams are monitoring 67.4% of identified contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Typically, contact monitoring continues for 21 days after the last known exposure.
Contact tracing enables health workers to oversee exposed individuals and facilitate rapid testing upon symptom onset. WHO reported that 92.3% of 430 investigated deaths through July 5 occurred either in communities or before hospitalization. This highlights delays in detection, referral, isolation, and access to treatment. Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. The disease can also be transmitted via contaminated objects or contact with someone who has died from the infection.
Outbreak Extends to Five Provinces in Congo
Ituri continues to be the epicenter, with 1,808 confirmed cases and 631 deaths. Infections have been reported across 26 of its 36 health zones. North Kivu has documented 182 cases and 106 deaths across 11 zones. South Kivu reported three cases and one death. Haut-Uele recorded 14 cases with 13 deaths, while Tshopo reported four cases and three fatalities. Overall, 45 out of 140 health zones across these five provinces have reported infections.
By July 14, Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, with 17 recoveries. The latest case in Uganda was recorded on June 21. Of these cases, 15 were linked to travel from Congo, while five resulted from local transmission. Authorities found no evidence of community transmission within Uganda. Additionally, health officials traced imported infections involving travelers or aid workers leaving affected areas in Congo. These cases led to isolation measures, specialized treatment, and contact monitoring in destination countries.
Enhanced Diagnostic and Treatment Efforts Underway
Bundibugyo virus currently lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment. Medical care focuses on rapid diagnosis, isolation, administration of fluids, oxygen therapy, electrolyte management, and supportive care. WHO announced that the first molecular diagnostic test for this virus was added to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. This test detects viral genetic material in blood samples. Laboratory capacity has increased to 10 sites across affected provinces, with a testing capacity exceeding 2,000 tests per day. Researchers have also launched the PARTNERS trial to evaluate remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Congolese authorities, WHO, and Africa CDC are working together on surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical management, safe burial practices, contact tracing, and community engagement. Response efforts face challenges due to insecurity, displacement, and high movement along mining and trading routes, which disrupt access to some communities and health facilities. WHO reported receiving approximately 40% of a $115 million appeal for outbreak response. Authorities continue prioritizing early detection and swift isolation, as most new cases are still outside established transmission chains.