KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 fatalities since the outbreak was first identified in May. The most recent government figures include reports up to Friday, July 17. In the past 24 hours, authorities recorded 86 new confirmed cases and 29 additional deaths. 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. Laboratory testing identified the Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illness in Ituri Province. This marked the country’s 17th documented Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. Two days later, the World Health Organization classified the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.
As of July 15, health officials confirmed cases in 46 health zones across five provinces, namely Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Authorities designated 38 zones as active due to recent case reports. Nearly 90% of confirmed infections were concentrated in Ituri, with areas such as Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde among the most severely affected.
Enhanced testing efforts provide a clearer outbreak overview
The response involved ramped-up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis as the outbreak extended through northeastern DRC. Testing capacity was expanded to include analysis of older samples collected prior to confirmation of the infections. By mid-July, more than 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. Additionally, around two-thirds of the deaths occurred in communities, where patients had not reached treatment facilities before succumbing.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, patient care, infection prevention, and public health outreach in affected areas. By July 15, they had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 being actively followed. Ongoing insecurity, population movement, and strain on local health services continued to hinder operational efforts in parts of eastern DRC.
Regional outbreak driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus spreads through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may experience internal or external bleeding. Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain, although early supportive care can enhance survival chances and assist medical teams in managing symptoms.
By mid-July, Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials traced 15 of these infections to imported cases, while five were linked 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 outbreak’s epicenter, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths reported by the government through July 17.