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 deaths. The latest official figures from the government include data up to Friday, July 17. In the past 24 hours, authorities reported an additional 86 confirmed infections and 29 fatalities. These numbers 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 analysis identified Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illness in Ituri Province. This marked the country’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. Two days later, the World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.
By July 15, health officials had confirmed cases in 46 health zones across five provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. They classified 38 zones as active due to recent cases. Ituri was the most affected, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections, with areas such as Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde being among the hardest-hit.
Expanded Testing Clarifies Outbreak Scope
The authorities ramped up surveillance efforts, laboratory testing, and sample analysis as the outbreak extended through northeastern DRC. This increase in testing capacity included examinations of older samples collected prior to laboratory confirmation. By mid-July, more than 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. Approximately two-thirds of recorded deaths happened in communities, where patients did not reach treatment centers before passing away.
Response teams continued contact tracing, providing clinical care, infection prevention, and public health outreach within affected communities. By July 15, they had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, following 10,195 of them during the reporting period. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strained local health resources 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 objects. Common symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may involve internal or external bleeding. Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain; however, early supportive care can enhance survival chances and assist healthcare providers in managing symptoms.
By mid-July, Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials attributed 15 infections to imported cases, with the remaining five linked to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda discharged its final Ebola patient on July 16 and initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Meanwhile, the DRC remained the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed infections and 893 fatalities according to government data through July 17.