KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the outbreak’s onset in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 fatalities. The latest government update includes 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 analyses identified Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illnesses in Ituri Province. This marked the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. The World Health Organization designated the event as a public health emergency of international concern two days later.
By July 15, officials had confirmed cases across 46 health zones in five provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Of these, 38 zones were considered active, having reported recent cases. Ituri was the most affected, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections, with Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde among the most impacted areas.
Broader testing efforts improve outbreak understanding
Enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis were ramped up as the outbreak spread through northeastern DRC. This expanded testing included examination of older samples collected prior to confirmation of infections. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. Approximately two-thirds of deaths occurred in communities, where patients did not reach healthcare facilities before succumbing to the illness.
Response teams maintained efforts in contact tracing, clinical management, infection prevention, and community outreach in affected areas. By July 15, they had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Of these, 10,195 contacts were actively monitored during the reporting period. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and healthcare system pressures continued to hinder response activities 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. Symptoms generally include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may experience internal or external bleeding. Currently, no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment exists for this strain, but early supportive care can enhance survival chances and assist medical teams in symptom management.
By mid-July, Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Authorities linked 15 of these infections to imported cases, with the remaining five connected to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda discharged its final Ebola patient on July 16 and initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The outbreak remains centered in the DRC, which had 2,267 confirmed infections and 893 fatalities according to government figures through July 17.