KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has grown into the country’s largest recorded epidemic. Authorities had confirmed 3,605 cases by July 30, including 1,587 deaths. The case fatality rate stood at 44%. During the latest full reporting week, teams recorded 567 infections and 296 deaths. Those were the highest weekly totals since the outbreak began and reflected the continued spread of the virus.
The outbreak now covers 49 health zones across five provinces. Those provinces are Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé and Tshopo. Thirty-three zones reported active transmission during the latest seven-day period. They logged 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remained the main center, with 3,176 infections, or 88% of the national total. Bunia had the largest local caseload, followed by Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita and Nyankunde.
The World Health Organization rates the risk inside DR Congo as very high. It also considers the threat high for Uganda and other countries bordering affected areas. The organization rates the risk for the wider African region and the world as low. Armed conflict, displacement and frequent population movement continue to disrupt disease control work. Health teams also face damaged facilities, staffing shortages and limited access to several affected communities.
Health teams expand tracing and care
DR Congo’s health authorities identified 17,863 contacts across the five affected provinces. Response teams actively followed 13,455 people, leaving thousands outside regular monitoring. The outbreak has infected 151 health workers and killed 44. Another 68 health workers have recovered. Officials continue to expand testing, patient care, infection controls and community outreach. They also support safe burials, transport services, supply deliveries and public information campaigns in areas with active transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs or contaminated materials. Symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure. Patients do not transmit the virus before symptoms begin. Early signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches and a sore throat. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain. Rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing and safe burials remain the main tools for limiting transmission.
Cross-border surveillance remains active
The outbreak received an international public health emergency designation on May 17. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a continental emergency declaration the following day. Uganda ended its domestic outbreak on July 28 after 42 days without local transmission. Health officials there continue enhanced surveillance because people regularly cross the border with eastern DR Congo. Screening, laboratory readiness and preparedness measures also remain active in areas linked to affected communities.
Across all affected countries, authorities had confirmed 3,626 cases and 1,589 deaths by July 30. DR Congo accounted for 3,605 cases, while Uganda recorded 20 and France reported one. At least 651 patients recovered in DR Congo, while 18 recovered in Uganda. Doctors diagnosed two patients in DR Congo before they received treatment in Germany. Most infections and deaths remain concentrated in eastern DR Congo, where teams continue surveillance, treatment and community response operations.