KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 fatalities since the onset of the latest outbreak in May, according to government reports. The data includes updates through Friday, July 17. During the past 24 hours, authorities reported 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. These figures indicate a case fatality rate of approximately 39%. The reported numbers include laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 after laboratories detected Bundibugyo virus in samples from Ituri Province. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country 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. The World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.
By July 15, health authorities had confirmed infections across 46 health zones spanning Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. Of these, 38 zones were classified as active after reporting cases in the previous 21 days. Ituri accounted for nearly 90% of the country’s confirmed cases in the latest detailed assessment. The most affected health zones in northeastern DRC included Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Broader testing efforts lead to higher confirmed case counts
Officials explained that expanded surveillance, testing, and diagnostic capabilities have led to an increase in processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system records cases once laboratories confirm them, which may differ from the actual date of infection. As of mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside known contact lists. Around two-thirds of fatalities occurred in communities where patients never reached healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention, and community outreach across affected regions. As of July 15, authorities identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 being actively monitored. Challenges such as insecurity, population movements, and strained health services complicate efforts in eastern DRC. While early supportive care can improve survival chances, there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus.
Outbreak of Bundibugyo strain extends beyond DRC borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola that transmits through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids from infected individuals. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces and objects. Typical symptoms include fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers focus on hydration, symptom management, infection control, and safe patient care while monitoring and tracing contacts within affected communities.
The outbreak has also impacted 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 has not experienced community transmission and discharged its last patient on July 16. The country then commenced a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Meanwhile, DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as of the government’s July 17 update.