KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the onset of the latest Ebola outbreak in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths, according to government data. The reported figures are current through Friday, July 17. Over the past 24 hours, authorities reported 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional fatalities. The current totals indicate a case fatality rate of approximately 39%. These numbers encompass laboratory-confirmed infections and confirmed deaths.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 following laboratory identification of Bundibugyo virus in samples from Ituri Province. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country 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 classified the situation as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.
By July 15, health authorities had confirmed infections in 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. Of these, 38 zones were categorized as active after reporting cases in the previous 21 days. Ituri accounted for nearly 90% of the country’s confirmed cases in the latest detailed assessment. The most affected health zones in northeastern DRC include Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Enhanced testing efforts boost confirmed case numbers
Officials stated that increased surveillance, testing, and diagnostic capacity have led to a higher number of processed samples, including some older specimens. The reporting system updates case counts based on laboratory confirmation, which may not align with the actual date of infection. In mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside known contact lists. Approximately two-thirds of fatalities occurred in communities, where patients often did not reach healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying efforts in contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection control, and community engagement in 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 mobility, and strained healthcare resources in eastern DRC. Early supportive care can improve survival chances, but currently, the Bundibugyo virus has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available.
Bundibugyo outbreak extends beyond DRC borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola disease transmitted through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids from infected individuals. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces and materials. Typical symptoms include fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers prioritize hydration, symptom management, infection prevention, and safe care practices while surveilling patients and tracing contacts in affected communities.
The outbreak has also reached Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Officials linked 15 cases to imported infections and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda indicated no community transmission and discharged its final patient on July 16, initiating a 42-day heightened surveillance period. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as per the government’s July 17 update.