Africa CDC confirms Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo

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Health authorities in Kinshasa confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Friday.

Hundreds of suspected cases have been reported in Ituri Province, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

According to Xinhua, the Chinese news agency, Africa CDC said in a statement that preliminary tests by the National Institute of Biomedical Research detected the virus in 13 of 20 samples, citing consultations with the DRC's Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute.

About 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been recorded, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara, with four deaths among confirmed cases. Suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia.

Africa CDC warned of a high risk of further spread due to urban settings, population movement, mining activities, insecurity, and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan.

The agency has convened an urgent meeting on Friday afternoon with health authorities from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, as well as key international partners, to strengthen cross-border coordination, surveillance and response efforts.

Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya stressed that rapid regional coordination is essential due to the high mobility between affected areas and neighbouring countries.

In Uganda, the Ministry of Health in January this year confirmed an outbreak of the Sudan Ebola Virus (SUDV) in Kampala after a 32-year-old male nurse developed fever-like symptoms and later died.

However, the ministry has not reported any more cases, and all the contacts of the deceased nurse have since been reintegrated into the community after they did not present any signs of the disease during the isolation period.

In April, Uganda received a donation of 100 vials of monoclonal antibodies from the United States government to improve survival rates in patients with Ebola.

The consignment was received by the State Minister for Health (General Duties), Anifa Kawooya Bangirana, at the National Medical Stores.

At the handover on April 14, the United States Ambassador William Popp said the United States’ donation of monoclonal antibodies is an important contribution to the global fight against Ebola, saving lives in Uganda, and making both America and Uganda safer.”