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, according to government data. The figures include reports up to Friday, July 17. Over the past 24 hours, authorities documented 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. The current totals indicate a case fatality rate of approximately 39%. These numbers encompass laboratory-confirmed infections and deaths that have been verified.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 after labs detected 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. On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern.
As of July 15, health officials had confirmed infections across 46 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. Of these, 38 zones were classified as active after reporting cases within the previous 21 days. Nearly 90% of the confirmed cases were concentrated in Ituri, based on the latest detailed assessment. Among the most affected areas in northeastern DRC were Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Enhanced testing efforts have increased confirmed case numbers
Officials stated that expanded surveillance, testing, and diagnostic capabilities have led to a higher number of processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system logs cases once laboratories confirm them, which may not correspond to the actual date of infection. In mid-July, more than 80% of new cases were outside known contact lists. Approximately two-thirds of fatalities occurred in communities during the same period, where patients never reached healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection control, and community engagement in affected regions. By July 15, authorities had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 being actively monitored. Challenges such as insecurity, population movement, and strained health services complicate response efforts in eastern DRC. Early supportive care can improve survival chances, but currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available for Bundibugyo virus infections.
Cross-border spread of Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola disease that transmits through direct contact with blood or other body fluids of infected individuals. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces and materials. Typical symptoms include fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers prioritize hydration, symptom management, infection prevention, and safe care while monitoring patients and tracing contacts within affected communities.
The outbreak has also impacted Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Officials attributed 15 infections to imported cases and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda has not experienced community transmission and discharged its last patient on July 16. The country then initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. In the meantime, the DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as per the government’s July 17 update.