KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the outbreak started in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 deaths. The latest official figures from the government include reports up to Friday, July 17. In the past 24 hours, authorities added 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional fatalities. These figures result in an approximate case fatality rate of 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15. Laboratories detected Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illnesses in Ituri Province. This declaration marked the country’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. Two days afterward, the World Health Organization classified the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.
By July 15, health authorities had verified cases across 46 health zones in five provinces. These provinces included Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Officials reported 38 active zones due to recent cases. Nearly 90% of confirmed infections occurred in Ituri, with Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde being among the most affected areas.
Enhanced testing efforts clarify outbreak scope
As the outbreak extended through northeastern DRC, authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis. This increased capacity included testing of older samples collected before confirmed cases emerged. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the recorded deaths occurred in communities, where patients did not reach treatment facilities before passing away.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, clinical management, infection prevention, and public health campaigns in affected areas. As of July 15, officials identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 being actively monitored during the reporting period. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strained health resources continued to hinder response efforts across eastern DRC.
Regional outbreak driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, or contaminated objects. Symptoms typically include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, patients develop internal or external bleeding during severe illness. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, although early supportive care can enhance survival chances and assist healthcare teams in managing symptoms.
By mid-July, Uganda had confirmed 20 cases and recorded two deaths. Officials attributed 15 of these infections to imported cases and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16 and initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Meanwhile, the DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths reported by the government through July 17.