KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed Ebola infections and 893 fatalities since the outbreak’s onset in May, according to government data. The reported figures include data through Friday, July 17. During the past 24 hours, authorities recorded 86 new confirmed cases and 29 additional deaths. The current totals indicate a confirmed case fatality rate of approximately 39%. These numbers reflect laboratory-confirmed infections and deaths.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 following laboratory confirmation of 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. On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern.
By July 15, health officials had confirmed infections across 46 health zones within 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. Nearly 90% of the latest confirmed cases came from Ituri, according to detailed assessments. Notable affected zones include Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde in northeastern DRC.
Broader testing efforts lead to higher confirmed case counts
Officials stated that increased surveillance, expanded testing, and enhanced diagnostic capacity have led to more processed samples, including some older specimens. The reporting system captures cases once laboratories confirm them, which may differ from the actual date of infection. In mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside previously known contact lists. Approximately two-thirds of fatalities occurred in community settings, where patients did not reach healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying efforts in contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection control, and community engagement 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 movement, and strained health services complicate response efforts in eastern DRC. While early supportive care can improve patient outcomes, there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available for Bundibugyo virus.
Bundibugyo outbreak extends beyond DRC borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola disease transmitted through direct contact with blood or other body fluids of infected persons. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces and materials. Typical symptoms include fever, intense weakness, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers emphasize hydration, symptom management, infection prevention, and safe care practices while monitoring patients and tracing contacts within affected communities.
The outbreak has also impacted Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Authorities linked 15 infections to imported cases and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda reported no community transmission and discharged its last patient on July 16, initiating a 42-day heightened surveillance period. In the meantime, DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths according to the government’s July 17 update.