KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the outbreak started in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported a total of 2,267 confirmed Ebola infections and 893 fatalities, according to government data. These figures include reports up to Friday, July 17. During the past 24 hours, authorities documented 86 new confirmed cases and 29 additional deaths. The latest statistics indicate an overall case fatality rate of approximately 39%. All numbers reflect laboratory-confirmed infections and deaths that have been verified.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 after laboratories detected Bundibugyo virus in specimens from Ituri Province. This marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. The initial cases involved severe illness and fatalities among health 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 Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. Of these, 38 zones were classified as active, having reported cases within the past 21 days. Nearly 90% of the latest confirmed cases originated from Ituri. Among the most affected areas in northeastern DRC were Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Broader testing efforts contribute to higher confirmed case numbers
Authorities stated that enhanced surveillance, expanded testing, and improved diagnostic capacity have led to more processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system registers cases once laboratories confirm them, which may not align exactly with the actual infection date. In mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside known contact networks. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of fatalities occurred within communities, where patients often did not reach healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying efforts in contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention, and community engagement across affected regions. As of July 15, authorities identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 of them actively monitored. Challenges such as insecurity, population movements, and strained health services hinder response efforts in eastern DRC. Early supportive care can improve patient survival, but currently, the Bundibugyo virus has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available.
Outbreak of Bundibugyo virus extends beyond DRC borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola disease 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, intense weakness, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers focus on hydration, symptom management, infection control, and safe patient care while monitoring affected communities and tracing contacts.
The outbreak has also reached Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Officials traced 15 infections to imported cases and five to contacts or health 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. Meanwhile, the DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as of the government’s July 17 update.