WHO Warns DRC Ebola Outbreak Is Largest in Country’s History
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the country, with infections continuing to spread across multiple provinces.
According to WHO’s latest Disease Outbreak News published on August 1, the outbreak has expanded from a single health zone in Ituri Province to 49 health zones across five provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo.
Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus – Democratic Republic of the Congo.pdfAs of July 30, health authorities had confirmed 3,605 Ebola cases and 1,587 deaths in the DRC, representing a case fatality rate of 44 percent. WHO said the outbreak has now surpassed the country’s 2018–2020 Ebola epidemic, which recorded 3,317 confirmed cases. At least 651 patients have recovered.
The UN health agency reported that the outbreak remains active in 33 health zones, with 641 new confirmed cases and 282 deaths recorded during the most recent reporting week. Ituri Province continues to bear the heaviest burden, accounting for nearly 88 percent of all confirmed infections nationwide.
WHO attributed the rapid spread to insecurity, population displacement, cross-border movements, and attacks on health facilities, which have disrupted surveillance and response efforts. The agency also expressed concern over infections among healthcare workers, with 151 confirmed cases and 44 deaths reported among medical personnel.
Meanwhile, Uganda officially declared its Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak over on July 28 after completing 42 days without any new locally transmitted cases. However, WHO warned that Uganda remains at high risk of imported infections because of continued transmission in neighbouring eastern DRC.
WHO assessed the risk within the DRC as very high, while neighbouring countries sharing land borders with affected areas remain at high risk due to frequent cross-border movement. Despite the escalating outbreak, WHO continues to advise against restrictions on international travel or trade with affected countries.
Health authorities, supported by WHO and international partners, are scaling up surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, infection prevention, community engagement, and clinical care. However, WHO stressed that a substantial increase in resources and response activities is urgently needed to contain the outbreak.
