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 reported a total of 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths, according to government records. These figures include reports up to Friday, July 17. During the last 24 hours, authorities documented 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional fatalities. The current totals indicate a case fatality rate of approximately 39%. The data encompasses laboratory-confirmed cases and 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 designated 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 classified as active after reporting cases within the previous 21 days. Nearly 90% of the confirmed cases in the latest detailed assessment were concentrated in Ituri. The most affected health zones in northeastern DRC included Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Broader testing efforts lead to higher confirmed counts
Officials indicated that increased surveillance, testing, and diagnostic capacity have resulted in a higher number of processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system registers cases once laboratories verify them, which may not correspond to the actual date of infection. In mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside known contact networks. Additionally, about two-thirds of the fatalities occurred in communities where patients never arrived at health facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying efforts in contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention, and community outreach across affected regions. As of July 15, authorities had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 of these being actively monitored. Challenges such as insecurity, population movements, and strained healthcare resources complicate response efforts in eastern DRC. While early supportive care can boost survival chances, 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 that transmits 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, severe weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers focus on hydration, managing symptoms, preventing infection, and ensuring safe care while monitoring patients and tracing contacts in affected communities.
The outbreak has also reached Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Authorities traced 15 infections to imported cases and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda has not experienced community transmission and discharged its final patient on July 16, initiating a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remains the epicenter, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 fatalities as of the government’s July 17 update.