BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization reported that 80% of recent Ebola infections in eastern Congo are caused by unidentified transmission chains. Many patients had not been listed on contact tracing lists prior to testing confirming their infection. This gap hampers early isolation efforts and delays treatment for symptomatic individuals. Response teams often identify new clusters only after patients present at healthcare facilities or pass away in their communities. The current outbreak involves the less common Bundibugyo virus strain.
As of July 13, Congo reported 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 deaths. Ituri province remained the epicenter, with 1,808 cases and 631 fatalities. North Kivu recorded 182 cases and 106 deaths. Other affected areas include South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Authorities reported 753 patients in isolation and 366 recoveries. Around 67% of identified contacts in the hardest-hit provinces are under active monitoring by response teams.
Contact tracing plays a key role in identifying exposed individuals before they can further spread the virus. Teams generally observe each contact for 21 days following the last known exposure. WHO stated that 92.3% of 430 deaths investigated through July 5 occurred outside of hospitals or prior to admission, limiting timely testing and isolation opportunities. Ebola transmits via direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, and contaminated objects can also be sources of infection.
Five provinces report confirmed infections
The outbreak has affected 45 health zones across five provinces in Congo. In Ituri, cases have been identified in 26 zones, while North Kivu has 11. Haut-Uele has recorded 14 cases and 13 deaths, Tshopo four cases and three fatalities, and South Kivu three cases with one death. The widespread geographic distribution has increased demand on laboratories, treatment centers, and mobile surveillance units.
In Uganda, 20 cases and two deaths had been confirmed by July 14. Seventeen patients recovered, with the most recent confirmed case recorded on June 21. Out of these, 15 infections were linked to travel from Congo, while five were associated with local transmission events. No documented community spread has been reported, though authorities continue monitoring travelers and aid workers leaving affected areas during the outbreak.
Testing capabilities and clinical interventions expand
There is no licensed vaccine or approved treatment specifically for Bundibugyo virus. Supportive care such as fluids, oxygen, and electrolyte management remains the primary treatment. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for the virus to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. Currently, ten laboratories across the region support testing, with a combined capacity of over 2,000 tests daily. Researchers have also launched a clinical trial involving remdesivir and the antibody therapy MBP134.
Congo’s government, WHO, and Africa CDC continue joint efforts in surveillance, testing, treatment, safe burials, and public communication. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent movement through mining regions hinder access to some communities. Strikes among health workers have also disrupted response activities. WHO has received roughly 40% of its $115 million funding appeal. Authorities emphasize the urgency of accelerating case detection, as most new infections occur outside known transmission chains.