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 was first reported in May. The most recent government data includes reports up to Friday, July 17. In the past 24 hours, authorities reported an additional 86 confirmed cases and 29 deaths. These figures result in 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 Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illness 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 authorities confirmed cases in 46 health zones across five provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Officials identified 38 zones as active, indicating recent cases. Nearly 90% of confirmed infections originated in Ituri, with Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde among the most affected locations.
Enhanced testing efforts reveal outbreak scope
As the outbreak expanded through northeastern DRC, authorities intensified surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample processing. This included testing of older samples collected prior to infection confirmation. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact tracing lists. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of deaths occurred in communities, where patients often did not reach treatment facilities before succumbing to the illness.
Response teams continued efforts in contact tracing, clinical treatment, infection prevention, and community outreach in affected regions. As of July 15, 12,693 contacts had been identified across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 of those contacts actively followed. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strained healthcare infrastructure continued to hinder operations in eastern DRC.
Regional outbreak driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. Common symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients may develop internal or external bleeding during severe stages of illness. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, although early supportive care can enhance survival chances and assist medical teams in managing symptoms.
By mid-July, Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials linked 15 of these infections to imported cases and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16 and initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths according to the government count through July 17.