KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 2,267 confirmed cases of Ebola and 893 deaths since the outbreak started in May. The latest figures from the government cover data up to Friday, July 17. During the past 24 hours, authorities added 86 confirmed cases and 29 fatalities. These numbers yield an approximate case fatality rate of 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15. Laboratory tests identified Bundibugyo virus in samples from patients with severe illness in Ituri Province. This marked the country’s 17th documented Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. The World Health Organization designated the event as a public health emergency of international concern two days later.
By July 15, health officials had confirmed cases in 46 health zones across five provinces. These included Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo. Authorities listed 38 zones as active due to recent case reports. Ituri accounted for nearly 90% of confirmed infections, with areas like Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi and Nyankunde among the most affected.
Enhanced testing efforts refine outbreak understanding
As the outbreak expanded through northeastern DRC, authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis. This included examining older samples collected before laboratory confirmation. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. Approximately two-thirds of fatalities occurred in communities, where patients died before reaching healthcare facilities.
Response teams maintained contact tracing, clinical management, infection prevention, and public health messaging in affected areas. By July 15, they had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, following up with 10,195 of them during the reporting period. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strained healthcare resources continued to hinder operations across eastern DRC.
Regional outbreak driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, or contaminated objects. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients also experience internal or external bleeding during severe illness. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, but early supportive care can improve chances of survival and assist medical teams in symptom management.
By mid-July, Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials linked 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. Meanwhile, the DRC remains at the heart of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed infections and 893 deaths according to the government count through July 17.