KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the outbreak began in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 deaths. The latest official figures cover reports until Friday, July 17. Over the past 24 hours, authorities recorded an additional 86 confirmed infections and 29 fatalities. These numbers yield a case fatality rate of approximately 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15. Laboratory tests identified Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illness in Ituri Province. This marked the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered 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 spanning five provinces. The affected regions included Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Of these, 38 zones were considered active due to recent cases. Ituri accounted for nearly 90% of confirmed infections, with areas such as Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde among the most impacted.
Enhanced testing efforts clarify outbreak scope
Surveillance measures, laboratory testing, and sample analysis were intensified as the outbreak expanded through northeastern DRC. This increased testing capacity included analysis of older samples collected prior to laboratory confirmation. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact tracing lists. Additionally, roughly two-thirds of the recorded deaths occurred in communities where patients did not reach healthcare facilities before succumbing to the illness.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, clinical treatment, infection prevention, and public health outreach in affected areas. By July 15, they had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 of those being actively followed. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strained health services continued to hinder efforts across eastern DRC.
Region’s outbreak primarily driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients also experience internal or external bleeding during severe stages of the illness. Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain, but early supportive care can improve chances of survival and assist healthcare providers in managing symptoms.
By mid-July, Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials linked 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. Meanwhile, the DRC remained the outbreak’s epicenter, with 2,267 confirmed infections and 893 deaths according to the government tally through July 17.