KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the emergence of the latest Ebola outbreak in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 fatalities, according to official government figures. These numbers reflect reports up to Friday, July 17. In the last 24 hours, authorities recorded 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths. The current data indicates a case fatality rate of roughly 39%. All figures pertain to laboratory-confirmed infections and deaths.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15 after laboratories detected Bundibugyo virus in samples from Ituri Province. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country since the virus was first identified in 1976. The outbreak initially surfaced with reports of severe illness and fatalities among healthcare workers in northeastern DRC. On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern.
By July 15, health officials had confirmed infections in 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. Out of these, 38 zones were classified as active due to case reports within the previous 21 days. Nearly 90% of the confirmed cases in the latest detailed review originated from Ituri. The most affected health zones in northeastern DRC include Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Enhanced testing efforts lead to higher confirmed case counts
Authorities stated that expanded surveillance, testing, and diagnostic capabilities have led to an increase in processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system records cases once laboratories verify them, which may not correspond exactly to the date of infection. By mid-July, over 80% of new cases had no known contact links. Approximately two-thirds of the fatalities occurred in communities, where patients often did not reach healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying efforts in contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention, and community engagement across affected zones. As of July 15, officials had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 of them being actively monitored. Ongoing challenges include insecurity, population movements, and strained health services in eastern DRC. While early supportive care can improve patient outcomes, there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available for Bundibugyo virus.
Bundibugyo outbreak extends beyond DRC borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola disease that transmits through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces and materials. Typical symptoms include fever, intense weakness, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding. Healthcare workers focus on hydration, symptom relief, infection control, and safe patient care while tracking contacts and monitoring cases in affected areas.
The outbreak has also impacted Uganda, with 20 confirmed cases and two fatalities by mid-July. Officials attributed 15 cases to imported infections and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda reported no community transmission and discharged its last patient on July 16, subsequently initiating a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Meanwhile, the DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as of July 17 per the government’s latest report.