KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the outbreak began in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 fatalities, according to government statistics. The figures include reports up to Friday, July 17. During the last 24 hours, authorities reported 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. These latest totals result in an approximate case fatality rate of 39%. The reported numbers encompass laboratory-confirmed infections and deaths that have been verified.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 after laboratories detected Bundibugyo virus in samples from Ituri Province. This marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. The outbreak initially emerged with reports of severe illness and fatalities among healthcare workers in northeastern DRC. The World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.
By July 15, health authorities had confirmed infections in 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. Of these, 38 zones were classified as active after reporting cases within the previous 21 days. Nearly 90% of the latest confirmed cases originated from Ituri. Among the most impacted health zones in northeastern DRC are Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Broader testing efforts lead to higher confirmed numbers
Officials explained that expanded surveillance, testing, and diagnostic capacity have increased the number of samples processed, including older specimens. The reporting system records cases when laboratories confirm them, which may not coincide with the actual date of infection. In mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside known contact lists. Approximately two-thirds of fatalities occurred in communities during this period, where patients never reached healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection control, and community outreach activities across affected regions. As of July 15, authorities identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 of them being actively monitored. Challenges such as insecurity, population mobility, and strain on healthcare services complicate response efforts in eastern DRC. While early supportive care can improve survival chances, the Bundibugyo virus currently has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available.
Outbreak of Bundibugyo virus extends beyond DRC borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola that transmits through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids from infected individuals. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces and materials. Typical symptoms include fever, intense weakness, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers prioritize hydration, symptom relief, infection prevention, and safe care protocols while monitoring patients and tracing contacts within affected communities.
The outbreak has also impacted Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Officials linked 15 of these infections to imported cases and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda has not experienced community transmission and discharged its final patient on July 16. Subsequently, it initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as of the government’s July 17 update.