KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the outbreak started in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 fatalities. The latest official figures from the government include reports up to Friday, July 17. During the past 24 hours, authorities recorded 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. These figures yield an approximate case fatality rate of 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15. Laboratory tests identified the Bundibugyo virus in samples from severe cases in Ituri Province. This marked the country’s 17th documented Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. Two days after the outbreak declaration, the World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.
By July 15, health authorities had confirmed cases in 46 health zones across 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 infections, with Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi and Nyankunde among the most affected areas.
Enhanced testing efforts refine outbreak assessment
Surveillance, laboratory testing and sample analysis were intensified as the outbreak spread through northeastern DRC. The expanded testing included analysis of older samples collected prior to confirmation of cases. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. About two-thirds of the recorded deaths happened in communities where patients did not reach healthcare facilities before dying.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, clinical management, infection prevention and community outreach in affected regions. As of July 15, 12,693 contacts had been traced across Ituri, North Kivu and Tshopo, with 10,195 followed during the reporting period. Ongoing insecurity, migration and strained healthcare infrastructure continued to hinder intervention efforts in eastern DRC.
Regional outbreak driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids or contaminated items. Typical symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, vomiting and diarrhea. Some patients may develop internal or external bleeding during severe stages. Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain, but early supportive care can enhance survival chances and aid healthcare providers in symptom management.
By mid-July, Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases and two fatalities. Officials linked 15 of those infections to imported cases, while five were associated with contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16 and initiated a 42-day heightened surveillance period. The DRC continues to be the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as per the government records through July 17.