KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported a total of 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 fatalities since the outbreak was first identified in May, according to government data. The figures include reports through Friday, July 17. Over the previous 24 hours, authorities documented 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. These latest totals indicate a case fatality rate of approximately 39%. The data encompasses 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 illnesses and fatalities among healthcare workers in northeastern DRC. On May 17, the World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.
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 latest confirmed cases originated from Ituri. In northeastern DRC, Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde were among the most affected health zones.
Broader testing efforts boost confirmed case numbers
Officials stated that increased surveillance, testing, and diagnostic capabilities have led to a rise in processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system records cases only when laboratories verify them, which might differ from the actual date of infection. As of mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside known contact networks. Approximately two-thirds of deaths occurred in communities where patients never reached healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection control, and community outreach in affected regions. By July 15, authorities had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 of them being monitored. Operational challenges include insecurity, population movements, and strained health services in eastern DRC. Early supportive care can improve survival odds, but currently, Bundibugyo virus has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available.
Outbreak crosses into neighboring Uganda
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola disease that spreads through direct contact with blood or other body fluids of infected individuals. The virus can also transmit via contaminated surfaces and materials. Typical symptoms include fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers prioritize hydration, symptom relief, infection prevention, and safe patient care while monitoring cases and tracing contacts within affected communities.
The outbreak has also reached Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Officials linked 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. Subsequently, the country initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as of the government’s July 17 update.