An Ebola outbreak has been declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Africa's top public health body confirming 65 deaths linked to the virus in the country's eastern Ituri province. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported about 246 suspected cases, with fatalities concentrated in gold-mining communities including Mongwalu and Rwampara.
Cross-border response meetings underway
The agency is coordinating urgent consultations with DR Congo and neighbouring countries, including Uganda and South Sudan, as part of efforts to strengthen containment and surveillance across borders. International partners are also being engaged to support response measures as fears of further spread grow in the region.
Laboratory tests confirm infections
Preliminary laboratory analysis at the National Biomedical Research Institute in Kinshasa confirmed the virus in 13 out of 20 samples tested. According to Africa CDC, four of the 65 deaths recorded so far were among laboratory-confirmed cases, while additional suspected infections are still under investigation.
Symptoms and transmission highlighted
Health authorities reiterated that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can lead to severe bleeding, organ failure and death. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue and sore throat. There is currently no known cure for the disease.
Further suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, with laboratory confirmation still pending. The region has faced ongoing security challenges since 2021 due to armed group activity, which health experts say could complicate response efforts.
Outbreak comes amid history of repeated infections
Ebola was first identified in 1976 in what is now DR Congo and is believed to have originated from bats. The latest situation marks the 17th recorded outbreak in the country. Africa CDC estimates that about 50,000 people have died from Ebola across the continent over the past five decades, with DR Congo's deadliest outbreak between 2018 and 2020 claiming nearly 2,300 lives.
