KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed Ebola infections and 893 fatalities since the outbreak was first reported in May. The latest official figures from the government include cases reported up to Friday, July 17. During the previous 24 hours, authorities reported an additional 86 confirmed cases and 29 deaths. These numbers result in an approximate case fatality rate of 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15. Laboratory analysis identified the Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illnesses in Ituri Province. This marked the country’s 17th recorded 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 after the declaration.
By July 15, health officials had verified infections in 46 health zones spanning five provinces. These included Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Officials classified 38 zones as active due to recent case reports. Ituri was responsible for nearly 90% of confirmed cases, with Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde among the most severely affected areas.
Broader testing efforts enhance outbreak understanding
Authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis as the outbreak extended through northeastern DRC. This expansion included testing of older samples collected prior to laboratory confirmation of the cases. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact lists. Approximately two-thirds of recorded fatalities occurred in communities where patients did not reach treatment centers prior to death.
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, following up with 10,195 of those individuals. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strained health services continued to hinder operational efforts in parts of eastern DRC.
Bundibugyo virus fuels regional outbreak
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients also experience internal or external bleeding during severe illness. Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain, although early supportive care can improve survival chances and assist medical teams in symptom management.
By mid-July, Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials attributed 15 infections to imported cases and five to contacts or health workers. Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16 and initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed infections and 893 deaths according to government data through July 17.