KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 fatalities since the latest outbreak was first identified in May, according to government data. The figures include reports up to Friday, July 17. Over the past 24 hours, authorities recorded 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. The current totals indicate a case fatality rate of approximately 39%. These numbers account for laboratory-confirmed cases and confirmed deaths.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory tests identified Bundibugyo virus in samples from Ituri Province. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country since scientists first identified the virus in 1976. The outbreak initially emerged with reports of severe illness and fatalities among healthcare workers in northeastern DRC. The World Health Organization declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.
By July 15, health officials had confirmed infections across 46 health zones within Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. Of these, 38 zones were classified as active, having reported cases within the past 21 days. Nearly 90% of the confirmed cases in the latest detailed assessment originated from Ituri. Among the most impacted health zones in northeastern DRC were Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Enhanced testing efforts lead to higher confirmed case counts
Officials explained that increased surveillance, expanded testing, and improved diagnostic capacity have led to a rise in processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system registers cases once confirmed by laboratories, which may not correspond to the actual date of infection. As of mid-July, more than 80% of new cases were outside known contact lists. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of fatalities occurred within communities, where patients never reached healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams continue to strengthen contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention, and community engagement across affected regions. As of July 15, authorities had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 of them being actively monitored. The efforts are challenged by insecurity, population movement, and strained healthcare resources in eastern DRC. While early supportive care can improve survival chances, no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus at this time.
Outbreak of Bundibugyo virus 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 contact with contaminated surfaces and materials. Typical symptoms include fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers prioritize hydration, symptom management, infection control, and safe care practices while monitoring patients and tracing contacts within affected communities.
The outbreak has also affected Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Officials linked 15 cases to imported infections and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda reported no community transmission and discharged its final patient on July 16. Subsequently, the country initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. In the meantime, the DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as of the government’s July 17 update.