KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in the deaths of 1,916 individuals, based on official data updated through August 7. The authorities have confirmed a total of 4,209 infections since the outbreak began. This latest count shows an increase of 29 deaths compared to the previously reported figure of 1,887. Additionally, officials reported 595 patients currently receiving treatment in isolation and 828 people have recovered.
Ituri remains the most severely impacted province, with 3,636 confirmed cases and 1,551 fatalities. North Kivu follows with 470 cases and 315 deaths. Haut Uele has reported 91 infections and 44 deaths, while Tshopo has recorded nine cases and five deaths. South Kivu’s figures include three cases and one death. Overall, the outbreak has now affected 53 of 140 health zones across the five provinces with confirmed infections.
The latest daily update added 89 new confirmed cases and 21 additional deaths to the national total. Ituri accounted for 73 of these newly confirmed infections. North Kivu reported 12 new cases, and Haut Uele saw four. Health teams are monitoring 83.4% of identified contacts across the affected regions. Authorities are continuing to reconcile surveillance data, laboratory results, and clinical records as they update case and mortality figures.
Ituri remains the epicenter of the expanding outbreak
The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the presence of Ebola in May after laboratory testing identified Bundibugyo virus. The Ministry of Health has coordinated efforts including surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and patient care in the affected zones. Teams also implement infection prevention strategies and safe burial practices to prevent further spread. The outbreak has spread to several eastern provinces, where insecurity, population mobility, and limited healthcare resources complicate control efforts.
Ebola can cause symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, body pain, vomiting, and other serious health issues. As the disease progresses, some patients develop bleeding. This outbreak is the 17th documented Ebola event in the country since scientists first identified the virus in 1976. The World Health Organization has supported the response by assisting with case detection, laboratory testing, patient management, and infection control measures as health teams track the disease’s transmission across multiple provinces.
Bundibugyo virus currently has no licensed vaccine available
Bundibugyo virus differs from the Zaire Ebola species targeted by existing licensed vaccines. At present, there is no licensed vaccine or specifically approved treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease. Medical teams rely mainly on supportive care, which includes hydration, managing symptoms, and close patient monitoring. Ongoing research continues to evaluate potential vaccines and investigational treatments. Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus and two deaths by late July, with no new confirmed cases after June 21.
The outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the largest recorded epidemic caused by Bundibugyo virus and ranks as the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history by confirmed case count. Most infections and deaths are concentrated in Ituri and North Kivu. Health authorities continue testing, monitoring contacts, isolating patients, and providing care while updating the national totals as new surveillance data becomes available.