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 started in May, according to government records. The figures include reports up to Friday, July 17. During the past 24 hours, authorities reported 86 new confirmed cases and 29 additional deaths. These latest numbers result in an approximate case fatality rate of 39%. The statistics encompass 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 country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. The outbreak initially emerged with reports of severe illness and fatalities among healthcare workers in northeastern DRC. The World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.
By July 15, health officials had confirmed infections across 46 health zones spanning Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo provinces. Of these, 38 zones were classified as active after reporting cases within the previous 21 days. Ituri accounted for nearly 90% of the confirmed cases in the latest detailed assessment. Among the most impacted health zones in northeastern DRC were Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde.
Enhanced testing efforts boost confirmed case numbers
Officials stated that increased surveillance, expanded testing, and diagnostic capabilities have led to a higher number of processed samples, including some older specimens. The reporting system records cases only when laboratories confirm them, which may not align with the actual date of infection. As of mid-July, over 80% of new cases were outside known contact networks. Approximately two-thirds of the deaths occurred in communities where patients never reached healthcare facilities for treatment.
Response teams are intensifying efforts in contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention, and community outreach throughout affected regions. By July 15, authorities had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 being actively monitored. 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 for Bundibugyo virus.
Bundibugyo virus spreads across borders
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola disease transmitted primarily through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids from 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 emphasize hydration, managing symptoms, infection control, and safe patient care while monitoring and tracing contacts within affected communities.
The outbreak has also extended into Uganda, which reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Authorities linked 15 infections to imported cases and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda reported no community transmission and discharged its last patient on July 16, initiating a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths according to the government’s July 17 update.