Africa’s top health agency has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo after dozens of deaths were reported.
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has declared an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with at least 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths recorded in Ituri province.
Most of the infections have been reported in the gold-mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara. Health officials said preliminary laboratory tests confirmed the Ebola virus in 13 out of 20 samples tested in Kinshasa.
Authorities are also investigating additional suspected cases in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri.
Ebola is a highly dangerous viral disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain and severe bleeding. There is currently no known cure.
Africa CDC said it is working with DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan to strengthen cross-border surveillance and coordinate emergency response efforts.
This is the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded in DR Congo since the virus was first discovered in the country in 1976. The country’s deadliest outbreak between 2018 and 2020 killed nearly 2,300 people.
The Congolese government is expected to officially address the outbreak during a planned press conference.
FIND OUR MORE ABOUT EBOLA VIRUS : https://www.who.int/health-topics/ebola
