Ebola virus: DR Congo cases worsen, top 3,600, deaths 1,587

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has worsened significantly, with confirmed cases rising to 3,605 and deaths reaching 1,587 as of July 30. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a stark warning, noting that sustained transmission and the disease's expanding geographical reach are fueling the country's largest Ebola outbreak on record. The agency emphasized that the rapid increase in infections and fatalities underscores the critical need to intensify response measures. Initially confined to the Mongbwalu Health Zone in Ituri Province, the outbreak has spread across five provinces, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo, affecting 49 health zones. Epidemiological week 30 saw the highest weekly figures since the outbreak began, with 567 confirmed cases and 296 deaths. "The continued increase in cases, expanding geographic spread, and persistently high mortality underscore the rapidly evolving nature of this public health emergency," the WHO stated, calling for a substantial scale-up of response activities to control transmission. Response efforts are severely hampered by ongoing insecurity, population displacement, high mobility, and frequent cross-border movements, which increase the risk of further spread. Despite intensified surveillance, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement by the Congolese government, WHO, and partners, significantly more resources are required. A regional preparedness framework is also in place to bolster readiness across at-risk African countries. Meanwhile, Uganda has officially declared an end to its Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak. The country's Ministry of Health made this declaration on July 28, after completing 42 consecutive days without a new locally transmitted confirmed case. The last locally transmitted patient was discharged on June 16, and the most recent imported case was discharged on July 16 after testing negative twice. WHO will continue to monitor Uganda for another 42 days to ensure no undetected transmission chains remain.

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The continued increase in cases, expanding geographic spread, and persistently high mortality underscore the rapidly evolving nature of this public health emergency.