KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 verified Ebola cases and 893 fatalities since the outbreak initiated in May. The latest figures from the government include reports up to Friday, July 17. Authorities reported an additional 86 confirmed infections and 29 deaths over the past 24 hours. These totals suggest a case fatality rate of approximately 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15. Laboratory analyses identified Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illness cases in Ituri Province. This declaration 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 officials confirmed cases across 46 health zones spanning five provinces. The affected regions included Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Officials categorized 38 zones as active due to recent reports of cases. Ituri was responsible for nearly 90% of confirmed infections, with Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde being among the most affected areas.
Enhanced testing efforts reveal a more detailed outbreak landscape
Authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis as the outbreak expanded through northeastern DRC. The increased testing capacity included re-examining older samples collected before confirmed cases. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. Approximately two-thirds of the recorded deaths occurred in communities where patients did not reach treatment facilities before death.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, clinical interventions, infection control, and public health campaigns in affected areas. By July 15, officials had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo. Of these, 10,195 contacts were actively followed by outreach teams. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strained healthcare infrastructure continued to hinder response efforts in parts of eastern DRC.
Regional outbreak primarily driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients also develop internal or external bleeding during severe illness. Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain; however, early supportive care can improve survival chances and assist healthcare teams in symptom management.
By mid-July, Uganda had recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials attributed 15 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 outbreak’s epicenter remained in DRC, which reported 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths according to government data through July 17.