Health officials report a new Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province that has killed at least 65 people, with over 250 suspected cases recorded. The outbreak is concentrated mainly in the health zones of Rwampara and Mongbwalu near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan.
DRC authorities describe this as the country’s 17th Ebola virus disease outbreak in Ituri province. The public health emergency operations center is finalizing a response plan. Neighboring Uganda has confirmed one death in intensive care after the patient developed hemorrhagic symptoms.
The Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids and broken skin. It causes severe bleeding and organ failure, with the World Health Organization citing an average fatality rate of around 50%.
The WHO has activated its emergency contingency plan to support the DRC. A WHO spokesperson announced the release of 500,000 US dollars from the contingency fund for emergencies to immediately aid the response. The organization will deploy resources and mobilize partners across the region.
The DRC has experienced 16 previous Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first identified there in 1976. The country’s deadliest outbreak, between 2018 and 2020, resulted in nearly 2,300 deaths.