KINSHASA – Africa’s leading public health agency has confirmed a fresh outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where at least 65 people have died and 246 suspected cases have been reported so far.
The health authorities said that the outbreak has emerged in Ituri province, with cases concentrated in the Mongbwalu and Rwampara health zones in the eastern part of the country.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said experts are investigating whether the outbreak involves the Ebola Zaire strain, regarded as the deadliest variant of the virus.
Meanwhile, neighboring Uganda has also confirmed an Ebola-related death, heightening concerns about the possible cross-border spread of the disease.
The officials warned that the affected areas are located close to the borders with Uganda and South Sudan, increasing the risk of regional transmission if strict containment measures are not enforced.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks in recent years, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and emergency response efforts.
