KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the onset of the latest outbreak 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. During the past 24 hours, authorities documented 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. These numbers result in an approximate case fatality rate of 39%. The data encompass laboratory-confirmed cases and officially recorded deaths.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 after laboratories identified Bundibugyo virus in samples from Ituri Province. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country since the virus was first discovered in 1976. The initial reports described severe illness and fatalities among healthcare workers in northeastern DRC. On May 17, the World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.
By 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. Ituri accounted for nearly 90% of the confirmed cases in the latest detailed review. Among the most affected health zones in northeastern DRC were Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Broader testing efforts lead to higher confirmed case numbers
Officials stated that enhanced surveillance, testing, and diagnostic capabilities have resulted in more processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system records cases once laboratories confirm them, which may not align with the actual date of infection. By mid-July, over 80% of new cases had no known contact links. Approximately two-thirds of the fatalities occurred in communities where patients never reached healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying efforts in contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection control, and community engagement 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. Challenges such as insecurity, population movement, and strained healthcare resources complicate operations in eastern DRC. Early supportive care can improve patient survival, but there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus.
Bundibugyo outbreak extends across national borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola disease that spreads through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids from infected individuals. It can also transmit via contaminated surfaces and materials. Typical symptoms include fever, profound weakness, muscle pains, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers prioritize hydration, symptom management, infection prevention, and safe care practices while monitoring patients and tracing contacts within affected communities.
The outbreak has also reached 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 reported no ongoing community transmission and discharged its final patient on July 16, initiating a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as of the government’s July 17 update.