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 government update includes data collected through Friday, July 17. During the past 24 hours, authorities added 86 confirmed infections and 29 fatalities. These figures result in an estimated case fatality rate of approximately 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 documented Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. The World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern two days later.
By July 15, health officials had confirmed cases in 46 health zones across five provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo. A total of 38 zones were reported as active due to recent cases. Ituri accounted for nearly 90% of confirmed infections, with critical areas like Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde being among the most impacted.
Enhanced testing efforts reveal a clearer outbreak profile
In response to the outbreak’s expansion into northeastern DRC, authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis. The increased testing capacity included examination of older samples collected prior to confirmation of infections. By mid-July, more than 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. Additionally, about two-thirds of the recorded deaths occurred in community settings, with patients often failing to reach treatment centers before death.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, clinical management, infection prevention, and public health outreach in affected areas. As of July 15, officials had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 being actively monitored. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strained healthcare infrastructure continued to hinder operations in parts of eastern DRC.
Regional outbreak driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, or contaminated objects. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may develop internal or external bleeding. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, but early supportive care can improve chances of survival and assist healthcare teams in managing symptoms.
By mid-July, Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials linked 15 infections to imported cases and five 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 cases and 893 deaths according to the government’s latest report through July 17.