KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 deaths since the latest outbreak began in May, government data showed. The count covers reports through Friday, July 17. Authorities logged 86 new confirmed infections and 29 additional deaths during the previous 24-hour period. The latest totals put the confirmed case fatality rate at about 39%. The figures cover laboratory-confirmed infections and confirmed deaths.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratories identified Bundibugyo virus in samples from Ituri Province. It is the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since scientists identified the virus in 1976. The outbreak began with reports of severe illness and deaths among health workers in northeastern DRC. The World Health Organization classified the event as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.
Health authorities had recorded confirmed infections in 46 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo provinces by July 15. Authorities classified 38 zones as active after they reported cases during the previous 21 days. Ituri accounted for nearly 90% of the country’s confirmed cases in the latest detailed assessment. Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi and Nyankunde ranked among the most affected health zones in northeastern DRC.
Expanded testing raises confirmed totals
Officials said expanded surveillance, testing and diagnostic capacity had increased the number of processed samples, including older specimens. The reporting system records cases when laboratories confirm them, which can differ from the date of infection. More than 80% of new cases fell outside known contact lists in mid-July. About two-thirds of deaths occurred in communities during the same period, where patients never reached a health facility for care.
Response teams are expanding contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection control and community outreach across affected areas. As of July 15, officials had identified 12,693 contacts in Ituri, North Kivu and Tshopo, and followed 10,195 of them. Operations face insecurity, population movement and pressure on health services in eastern DRC. Early supportive care can improve survival, but Bundibugyo virus has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment at present.
Bundibugyo outbreak crosses national border
Bundibugyo virus causes a form of Ebola disease that spreads through direct contact with blood or other body fluids from infected people. It can also spread through contaminated surfaces and materials. Common symptoms include fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea and, in some cases, bleeding. Health workers focus on hydration, symptom management, infection prevention and safe care while monitoring patients and tracing contacts in affected communities.
The outbreak also crossed into Uganda, which recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths by mid-July. Officials linked 15 infections to imported cases and five to contacts or health workers. Uganda reported no community transmission and discharged its final patient on July 16. It then began a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remained the outbreak’s center, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths in the government’s July 17 count.