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 deaths since the outbreak started in May. The latest figures from the government encompass reports up to Friday, July 17. In the past 24 hours, authorities added 86 confirmed infections and 29 fatalities. These totals indicate a 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 associated with severe illness cases in Ituri Province. This marked the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the country since scientists first identified the virus in 1976. Two days later, the World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.
By July 15, health officials had confirmed cases in 46 health zones across five provinces, notably Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. They classified 38 zones as active due to recent cases. Nearly 90% of confirmed infections were concentrated in Ituri, with areas such as Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde among the most affected.
Enhanced testing efforts clarify outbreak scope
To combat the spread of Ebola through northeastern DRC, authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis. This expanded capacity included testing of older samples collected before laboratory confirmation. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases fell outside the existing contact lists. Additionally, about two-thirds of the deaths occurred in community settings, where patients did not reach healthcare facilities before dying.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, clinical treatment, infection prevention, and public health outreach in affected regions. By July 15, they had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, following 10,195 of these during the reporting period. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strained healthcare resources continue to hinder efforts in parts of eastern DRC.
Bundibugyo virus fuels regional outbreak
Bundibugyo virus spreads via direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients may also experience internal or external bleeding during severe cases. Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain, though early supportive care can enhance survival chances and assist healthcare teams in symptom management.
By mid-July, Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials attributed 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. The DRC remains the primary focus of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths according to government figures through July 17.