BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization reports that unexplained transmission pathways are responsible for 80% of recent Ebola cases in eastern Congo. Many patients had not been listed on contact tracing efforts prior to testing confirming their infections. This gap hampers early isolation efforts and delays treatment for symptomatic individuals. Response teams often identify new infection clusters only after patients seek care at clinics or pass away in their communities. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a less frequently encountered Ebola strain.
As of July 13, Congo had documented 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 fatalities. The majority of cases are centered in Ituri province, with 1,808 cases and 631 deaths. North Kivu reported 182 cases and 106 deaths. Other affected areas include South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Authorities have placed 753 patients in isolation and recorded 366 recoveries. Approximately 67% of identified contacts in the most affected regions are under active surveillance by response teams.
Tracing contacts is crucial for identifying individuals exposed to the virus before they can transmit it further. Typically, contacts are monitored for a period of 21 days following their last known exposure. WHO states that 92.3% of 430 deaths investigated up to July 5 occurred outside of healthcare facilities or before hospital admission, reducing the chance for prompt testing and isolation. Ebola transmits through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, and contaminated objects can also serve as transmission sources.
Five provinces report confirmed Ebola infections
The outbreak has affected 45 health zones across five provinces in Congo. In Ituri, 26 health zones have reported cases, while North Kivu has 11. Haut-Uele recorded 14 cases with 13 deaths, Tshopo has four cases and three deaths, and South Kivu reports three cases and one death. The extensive geographic distribution has increased demands on laboratories, treatment facilities, and mobile surveillance teams.
In Uganda, 20 cases and two deaths had been confirmed by July 14. Seventeen patients had recovered, with the latest confirmed case appearing on June 21. Of these infections, 15 are linked to travel from Congo, while five are associated with local transmission events. Ugandan health authorities have found no evidence of community-wide spread and continue monitoring travelers and aid workers leaving affected zones during the outbreak.
Expansion of testing and clinical interventions
There is currently no licensed vaccine or approved specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus. Medical teams provide supportive care such as fluids, oxygen, electrolyte replacement, and other interventions. WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for this strain to its Emergency Use Listing on July 2. Currently, ten laboratories support testing across affected regions, with a combined capacity exceeding 2,000 tests daily. Additionally, researchers have initiated a clinical trial involving remdesivir and the antibody therapy MBP134.
The government of Congo, WHO, and Africa CDC continue to coordinate efforts in surveillance, testing, treatment, safe burials, and community outreach. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent movement in mining areas hinder access to some communities. Strikes among health workers have also disrupted response activities. WHO has received approximately 40% of its $115 million funding appeal. Authorities emphasize the importance of rapid case detection, as most new infections occur outside known transmission networks.