The Ebola epidemic declared on May 15 in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has intensified, with the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus spreading rapidly. This strain, for which no approved vaccine or targeted treatment exists, is now affecting additional eastern provinces including North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo, as well as neighboring Uganda. Despite the deployment of emergency response teams from international NGOs like Medair and World Vision, the situation remains dire.
As of July 30, the latest situation report from the United Nations, citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, confirmed 3,748 cases and 1,587 deaths, translating to a 44% fatality rate. The past week alone saw an alarming surge, with 567 new cases and 296 deaths reported—the highest weekly figures since the outbreak began. Among those affected, 44 healthcare workers have lost their lives, while 151 medical personnel have been infected since the epidemic started.
With the crisis deepening, the UN has emphasized that response capacities are being scaled up to match the growing threat. The International Medical Corps (IMC), in collaboration with United Nations agencies, is ramping up efforts to contain the virus and support affected communities through enhanced medical and logistical interventions.
