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 outbreak began in May. The latest government count covers reports through Friday, July 17. Authorities added 86 confirmed infections and 29 deaths during the previous 24 hours. The totals place the confirmed case fatality rate at about 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare declared the outbreak on May 15. Laboratories identified Bundibugyo virus in samples linked to severe illness in Ituri Province. The declaration marked the country’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak since scientists identified the virus in 1976. The World Health Organization classified the event as a public health emergency of international concern two days later.
By July 15, health authorities had confirmed infections in 46 health zones across five provinces. The affected provinces included Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo. Officials listed 38 health zones as active because they reported recent cases. Ituri accounted for nearly 90% of confirmed infections, with Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi and Nyankunde among the hardest-hit areas.
Expanded testing sharpens outbreak picture
Authorities increased surveillance, laboratory testing and sample processing as the outbreak spread through northeastern DRC. The growing testing capacity included work on older samples collected before laboratories confirmed the infections. More than 80% of newly detected cases fell outside existing contact lists in mid-July. About two-thirds of recorded deaths occurred in communities, where patients did not reach treatment centers before they died.
Response teams continued contact tracing, clinical care, infection control and public health outreach in affected communities. Officials had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu and Tshopo by July 15. Teams followed 10,195 of those contacts during the reporting period. Insecurity, population movement and pressure on local health services continued to complicate operations across parts of eastern DRC.
Bundibugyo virus drives regional outbreak
Bundibugyo virus spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids or contaminated materials. Common symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting and diarrhea. Some patients also develop internal or external bleeding during severe illness. No licensed vaccine or specific treatment currently exists for this strain, although early supportive care can improve survival and help medical teams manage symptoms.
Uganda had 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 discharged its final Ebola patient on July 16 and began a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. The DRC remained the outbreak’s center, with 2,267 confirmed infections and 893 deaths in the government count through July 17.