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 began in May, according to government data. The figures include reports up to Friday, July 17. In the past 24 hours, authorities recorded 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. These latest figures indicate a case fatality rate of approximately 39%. The totals reflect laboratory-confirmed cases and confirmed deaths.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 after laboratories detected the 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 recognized the situation as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.
By July 15, health officials had identified confirmed cases in 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Of these, 38 zones were classified as active after reporting cases in the previous 21 days. Nearly 90% of the confirmed cases in the latest detailed assessment originated from Ituri. The most impacted health zones in northeastern DRC included Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Broader testing efforts lead to higher confirmed case numbers
Officials stated that expanded surveillance, testing, and diagnostic capabilities have increased the number of processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system captures cases confirmed by laboratories, which may not coincide with the actual date of infection. By mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside known contact lists. About two-thirds of the deaths occurred within communities where patients never reached healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying efforts in contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention, and community outreach across affected regions. As of July 15, authorities had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 being actively monitored. Operations face challenges such as insecurity, population movement, and strained health services in eastern DRC. Early supportive care can enhance survival chances, but the Bundibugyo virus currently has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available.
Bundibugyo outbreak extends beyond DRC’s borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola disease that transmits through contact with blood or other bodily fluids from infected individuals. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces and materials. Typical symptoms include fever, extreme weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers focus on hydration, symptom management, infection control, and safe patient care while monitoring and tracing contacts in affected communities.
The outbreak has also crossed into Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Officials linked 15 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. The country has since initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths according to the government’s July 17 update.