Health authorities across Africa are on high alert after a fresh Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo left dozens dead and hundreds of suspected cases under investigation, with experts warning that cross-border movement could complicate containment efforts.

Africa’s top health agency says it is closely monitoring a confirmed Ebola outbreak in the Ituri Province of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as suspected infections and deaths continue to rise.

According to Africa CDC, about 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been recorded so far across Mongwalu and Rwampara, although officials say the figures are still provisional.

Early laboratory testing by Congo’s National Biomedical Institute confirmed 13 Ebola-positive cases from the first 20 samples analyzed.

However, scientists are still carrying out genetic sequencing to determine the exact strain of the virus. Preliminary findings suggest it may not be the Zaire strain, which caused the country’s previous outbreak in 2025.

Africa CDC clarified that while 65 deaths have been reported overall, only four deaths have so far been linked to laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases.

Cases in Bunia are also being monitored, though they are yet to be officially confirmed.

Speaking on the growing concern, Africa CDC warned that the outbreak’s location presents a major challenge.

The affected Ituri region faces insecurity, heavy population movement, mining-related travel, and close proximity to Uganda and South Sudan, factors that could increase the risk of regional spread.

The agency says containing Ebola depends heavily on rapid response measures including identifying cases quickly, isolating infected patients, tracing contacts, strengthening infection prevention in hospitals, community engagement, and safe burial practices.

To strengthen containment efforts, Africa CDC has convened an urgent coordination meeting involving health officials from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, alongside international partners including WHO, UNICEF, MSF, IFRC, the World Bank, Gavi, CEPI, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and health agencies from the United States and Europe.

Cbinews.tv reports that the outbreak comes months after DR Congo declared an end to its previous Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province in December 2025.

That outbreak involved the Zaire strain and recorded 64 cases and 45 deaths before it was successfully contained.

At this stage, officials say the Ituri outbreak appears different, with further laboratory analysis expected to provide more clarity on the virus strain.

The World Health Organization describes Ebola as a severe and often fatal disease that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated surfaces, or infected deceased individuals.

#Ebola #DRC #AfricaCDC #Congo #PublicHealth #WHO #Uganda #SouthSudan #HealthAlert #cbinewstv