Health officials raise alarm over new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo

"The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the continent's top public health body, said on Friday that it has recorded 246 suspected Ebola cases and 65 deaths in the Ituri province in the northeast of the country."

"Concern is high regarding the potential spread of the virus, with efforts to control it complicated by a precarious security situation in the affected area, which sits on the border with Uganda and South Sudan."

"Preliminary laboratory results have reportedly detected the Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples tested. The outbreak comes about five months after the DRC's last Ebola bout was declared to be over, leaving 43 people dead."

"Africa CDC expressed concern over the risk that the new outbreak could spread rapidly due to intense population movement, the poor security situation in affected areas, and control challenges. The agency said it is convening an urgent high-level meeting with health authorities from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, together with key partners, including UN agencies and other countries, to reinforce cross-border surveillance, preparedness and response efforts."

Health officials report an Ebola outbreak in Ituri province in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan. Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention records 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths. Preliminary laboratory results detect Ebola in 13 of 20 samples tested, with four deaths among laboratory-confirmed cases. Control efforts are complicated by a precarious security situation, as armed groups operate in the east of the country seeking control of valuable mineral deposits. Africa CDC warns that intense population movement, poor security, and response challenges could enable rapid spread. An urgent high-level meeting will reinforce cross-border surveillance, preparedness, and response with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, UN agencies, and other partners.

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