KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 deaths since the outbreak was first identified in May. The latest official figures from the government include reports up to Friday, July 17. During the previous 24 hours, authorities reported 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. These numbers result in an estimated 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 from patients with severe illness in Ituri Province. This marked the country’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. The World Health Organization classified the situation 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 different provinces. These provinces included Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Authorities listed 38 zones as active, meaning they had recent cases. Ituri was the most affected, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed cases, with Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde among the most impacted areas.
Enhanced testing efforts refine outbreak understanding
In response to the expanding outbreak, authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis in northeastern DRC. This increased testing capacity included examining older samples collected before laboratory confirmation of cases. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the deaths occurred in communities, where patients did not reach healthcare facilities before dying.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, clinical management, infection prevention, and community health outreach. As of July 15, they had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, and followed 10,195 of these contacts during the reporting period. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strain on local health services 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 objects. Common symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients also develop internal or external bleeding during severe stages of illness. There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, although early supportive care can increase survival chances and assist healthcare teams in managing symptoms.
By mid-July, Uganda had recorded 20 confirmed cases and two fatalities. Authorities linked 15 of these cases to imported infections, with the remaining five connected 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 the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths according to the government count through July 17.