The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Congo's remote Ituri province, reporting 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths.
The Ebola virus, transmitted through bodily fluids, causes a severe and often fatal disease. Four deaths have been confirmed among laboratory-tested cases, with suspected cases also reported in Bunia near the Ugandan border.
Preliminary tests detected the Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples, though it appears not to be the deadliest Zaire strain.
This marks the 17th outbreak in Congo since 1976, coming five months after the last outbreak ended with 43 deaths. The region's poor road networks, intense population movement, mining activity, and insecurity raise concerns about further spread.
Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya emphasized rapid regional coordination with Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, and partners to strengthen surveillance and response.
The agency is convening an urgent high-level meeting Friday with health authorities from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, along with UN agencies. Priorities include cross-border coordination, surveillance, lab support, infection control, risk communication, and resource mobilization.