KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the outbreak’s onset in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 deaths. The most recent government figures include reports up to Friday, July 17. Over the past 24 hours, authorities reported an additional 86 confirmed infections and 29 fatalities. The overall case fatality rate among confirmed cases stands at approximately 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15. Laboratory analyses identified Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illnesses in Ituri Province. This declaration marked the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the country since scientists identified the virus in 1976. The World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern two days afterward.
By July 15, health officials verified infections across 46 health zones spanning five provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Of these, 38 zones were considered active due to recent case reports. Ituri accounted for nearly 90% of confirmed cases, with areas such as Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde being among the most affected.
Enhanced testing efforts clarify outbreak scope
In response to the expanding outbreak in northeastern DRC, authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis. This included testing of older samples collected prior to laboratory confirmation of the cases. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside previously established contact lists. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the recorded deaths occurred in communities, where patients did not reach treatment facilities before succumbing.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, clinical management, infection prevention, and public health outreach in affected areas. As of July 15, officials had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 of those being actively followed during the reporting period. Ongoing insecurity, population mobility, and pressure on local health systems continued to hinder operations in parts of eastern DRC.
Regional outbreak driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials. Typical symptoms 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 medical teams in managing symptoms.
By mid-July, Uganda had confirmed 20 cases and recorded two deaths. Authorities linked 15 cases to imported infections and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda discharged its final Ebola patient on July 16 and commenced a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Meanwhile, the DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed infections and 893 deaths according to government reports through July 17.