KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the outbreak’s onset in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 deaths. The latest government figures include reports up to Friday, July 17. In the past 24 hours, authorities added 86 confirmed infections and 29 fatalities. These figures yield a case fatality rate of approximately 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15. Laboratory analysis identified the Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illnesses in Ituri Province. This marked the country’s 17th recorded 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 confirmed cases across 46 health zones in five provinces. These included Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Officials listed 38 zones as active, reporting recent cases. Nearly 90% of confirmed infections were in Ituri, with Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde being among the most affected areas.
Enhanced testing efforts reveal a clearer outbreak landscape
As the outbreak expanded through northeastern DRC, authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis. This included testing of older samples collected prior to laboratory confirmation. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. Additionally, about two-thirds of the deaths occurred in communities, where patients had not reached treatment centers before passing away.
Response teams persisted in contact tracing, providing clinical care, infection control, and public health outreach within affected communities. As of July 15, officials had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 of those being actively followed. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strain on local health systems continued to hinder operational efforts in parts of eastern DRC.
Regional outbreak driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients also experience internal or external bleeding during severe stages. Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain, though early supportive care can improve survival chances and assist healthcare teams in symptom management.
By mid-July, Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials attributed 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 remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths reported by the government through July 17.