KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the outbreak was first reported in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has documented 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 fatalities. The latest official figures, covering reports up to Friday, July 17, show an increase of 86 confirmed infections and 29 deaths over the previous 24 hours. These numbers yield an approximate case fatality rate of 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15. Laboratory analysis revealed the presence of Bundibugyo virus in samples associated with severe illness cases in Ituri Province. This marked the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded 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, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Forty-one zones were classified as active due to recent case reports. Ituri bore the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for nearly 90% of confirmed infections, with areas such as Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde being among the most affected.
Enhanced testing efforts deepen understanding of outbreak dynamics
In response to the outbreak’s progression through northeastern DRC, authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis. This expanded capacity included testing of older samples collected prior to confirmation of cases. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside existing contact tracing lists. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of deaths occurred in communities, where patients often did not reach health facilities before succumbing.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, patient care, infection prevention, and public health education in affected areas. As of July 15, they had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, following up with 10,195 of these individuals during the reporting period. Ongoing insecurity, population displacement, and strained healthcare resources continued to hinder operational efforts in parts of eastern DRC.
Bundibugyo strain remains the primary driver of regional outbreaks
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may experience internal or external bleeding. Currently, no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment exists for this strain, though early supportive care can enhance survival chances and assist medical teams in managing symptoms.
By mid-July, Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Authorities attributed 15 cases to imported infections 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 remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed infections and 893 deaths according to the government’s data through July 17.