KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the onset of the most recent Ebola outbreak in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 fatalities, according to official government figures. These numbers account for reports received up to Friday, July 17. During the past 24 hours, authorities identified 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. The current totals indicate a case fatality rate of approximately 39%. All figures represent laboratory-confirmed cases and confirmed deaths.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 after laboratories detected 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. The World Health Organization declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.
By July 15, health authorities had confirmed infections in 46 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Of these, 38 zones were classified as active after reporting cases in the previous 21 days. Nearly 90% of the latest confirmed cases originated from Ituri, according to detailed assessments. The most impacted health zones in northeastern DRC include Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Enhanced testing efforts contribute to rising confirmed case numbers
Officials stated that increased surveillance, expanded testing, and improved diagnostic capabilities have raised the number of processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system counts cases once laboratories confirm them, which may not align with the actual date of infection. By mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside previously known contact networks. Around two-thirds of fatalities occurred in communities, where patients never reached healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying efforts in contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection control, and community engagement throughout affected regions. As of July 15, authorities identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, following 10,195 of them. Challenges such as insecurity, population movements, and strained healthcare systems complicate response efforts in eastern DRC. Early supportive care can enhance survival chances, but presently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available for Bundibugyo virus infections.
Bundibugyo virus outbreak extends beyond DRC borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola 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 pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers prioritize hydration, symptom management, infection prevention, and safe patient care while monitoring and tracing contacts in affected areas.
The outbreak has also reached Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Authorities linked 15 infections to imported cases and five to contacts or health workers. Uganda has not experienced community transmission and discharged its final patient on July 16, initiating a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC continues to be the epicenter, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 fatalities according to the government’s July 17 report.