Ebola outbreak confirmed in Democratic Republic of Congo, with 65 deaths recorded
An Ebola outbreak has struck Democratic Republic of Congo, with 65 deaths recorded, Africa's top public health body says.
A new Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in Democratic Republic of Congo’s remote Ituri province.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said it was convening an urgent meeting with Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and global partners to reinforce cross-border surveillance, preparedness and response efforts.
It said about 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths had been reported, mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, while four deaths had been reported among laboratory-confirmed cases.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The agency said initial findings suggested the presence of a non-Zaire strain of the virus, with sequencing ongoing to further characterise it.
“Africa CDC is concerned about the risk of further spread due to the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara, intense population movement, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu,” it added.
Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness.
It spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, contaminated materials or people who have died from the disease.
