Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to battle an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD), with health authorities reporting a steady rise in confirmed infections and deaths. Response teams are expanding treatment, screening and prevention efforts across affected areas while neighbouring countries remain on high alert.

Ebola Outbreak Declared in May

The DRC officially declared an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak on May 15. Laboratory testing later confirmed that the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

According to the latest figures available as of July 7, the DRC has reported 1,708 confirmed Ebola cases and 580 confirmed deaths linked to the outbreak.

Uganda Reports Ebola and Marburg Cases

Uganda has also recorded cases connected to the outbreak. Health officials have confirmed 20 Ebola cases and two Ebola-related deaths, with all reported infections linked to transmission originating in the DRC.

Separately, on July 4, Uganda's Ministry of Health announced a positive case of Marburg virus disease, a hemorrhagic fever that is closely related to Ebola virus disease.

Outbreak Concentrated in Eastern DRC

The Ebola outbreak remains primarily centred in Ituri province, where most confirmed cases have been reported.

However, infections have also been confirmed in Haut-Uele, North Kivu, and South Kivu, showing that the outbreak has spread beyond its original hotspot.

South Sudan Faces High Risk

Although South Sudan has not confirmed any Ebola cases, health officials continue to consider the country at high risk because of frequent cross-border movement and porous borders with the DRC.

The movement of transient populations remains a key concern for regional preparedness efforts.

Medical Teams Expand Response Across the Region

Health teams are carrying out a wide range of response activities across affected countries, including case management, infection prevention and control, screening, triage, risk communication, community engagement, staff training and preparedness planning.

Support is currently being provided to 89 healthcare facilities, helping them improve Ebola screening, patient identification and treatment.

To date, these facilities have completed 121,777 Ebola screenings and treated 422 patients, including 132 confirmed Ebola cases.

Thousands of Health Workers Receive Training

A total of 2,208 people in the DRC have received training in Ebola case management, outbreak response procedures and methods to prevent virus transmission.

The training aims to strengthen the ability of healthcare workers to detect, manage and contain infections safely.

International Medical Corps Continues Regional Support

With funding from the US Department of State, DG ECHO and other donors, International Medical Corps is continuing its response across the region in close coordination with ministries of health and response partners.

Since the outbreak was declared, the organisation has used a hub-and-spoke model to support Ebola treatment and transit facilities. Its work includes strengthening infection prevention and control measures at referral health facilities, conducting screening and triage, supporting community risk communication, and training healthcare workers on Ebola response protocols.

Ongoing Efforts to Prevent Further Spread

International Medical Corps is also working with ministries of health and partner organisations to strengthen case management, screening and referral services, facility-based surveillance, mental health support, infection prevention and control, logistics, just-in-time staff training, essential health services, and water, sanitation and hygiene programmes.

In addition, the organisation is supporting wider efforts to expand contact tracing, improve case mapping, conduct daily monitoring and follow-up activities, and reduce the risk of undetected Ebola transmission across affected areas and neighbouring regions.

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