At least 80 people have died in a new Ebola outbreak in Congo's eastern Ituri province, with the disease now confirmed in neighboring Uganda, health authorities said Saturday.
The outbreak, first announced Friday, involves the Bundibugyo virus-a less common strain of Ebola with no approved vaccines or treatments. Health officials have confirmed eight laboratory-positive cases, including four deaths.
Residents in Bunia, the provincial capital, described frequent burials. "Every day, people are dying... We bury two, three or even more people a day," said Jean Marc Asimwe.
The suspected index case was a nurse who died April 24 at a Bunia hospital. The virus has since spread to three health zones in Ituri: Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongwalu.
Uganda confirmed its first imported case Friday-a patient who died May 14 in Kampala. The body was returned to Congo, and screening is underway at the Kibuli Muslim Hospital.
Kenya assessed a "moderate risk" of importation and has deployed an Ebola preparedness team.
Logistical challenges complicate the response. Ituri province, roughly 620 miles from Kinshasa, is plagued by violence from Islamic State-backed militants. Doctors Without Borders is preparing a "large-scale response."
Experts warn the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and USAID cuts may hamper international response. Dr. Craig Spencer, an Ebola survivor, said the U.S. lacks its former rapid-response capacity.
This is Congo's 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus first emerged in 1976.