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, according to government data. The statistics are current through Friday, July 17. During the last 24 hours, authorities reported 86 new confirmed cases and 29 additional fatalities. These latest figures indicate a case fatality rate of approximately 39%. The numbers reflect laboratory-confirmed infections and deaths.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 after testing identified 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. The World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.
By July 15, health officials had confirmed cases in 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Of these, 38 zones were classified as active after reporting cases within the previous 21 days. Nearly 90% of the latest confirmed cases originated in Ituri. Among the most impacted health zones in northeastern DRC were Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Broader testing efforts lead to higher confirmed case numbers
Officials stated that increased surveillance, expanded testing, and enhanced diagnostic capacity have resulted in more samples being processed, including older specimens. The reporting system confirms cases when laboratories verify them, which may not coincide with the actual date of infection. In mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside previously known contact lists. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of deaths occurred in communities where patients never reached healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are scaling up efforts in contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection control, and community outreach 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 include insecurity, population movement, and strained health services in eastern DRC. Early supportive care can improve patient outcomes, but currently, the Bundibugyo virus has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available.
Bundibugyo virus outbreak extends beyond DRC borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola that transmits through direct contact with blood or other body 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 providers focus on hydration, symptom management, infection prevention, and safe patient care while monitoring cases and tracing contacts within affected communities.
The outbreak has also reached 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 has since initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remains the epicenter, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths according to the government’s July 17 update.