Health authorities in DR Congo have confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Ituri Province. By Friday, May 15, there were 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported by, mostly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. ALSO READ: New case of Ebola virus detected in eastern DR Congo Four deaths have been confirmed among laboratory-tested cases, and additional suspected infections have been reported in the provincial capital, Bunia. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed the outbreak in a statement on Friday. Preliminary tests conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples. Early indications suggest a non-Zaire ebolavirus strain, with sequencing ongoing to confirm its exact type. Results are expected within 24 hours. Authorities have raised concerns about the risk of further spread due to the urban nature of Bunia and Rwampara, high population movement, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, insecurity in affected areas, and gaps in contact tracing and infection prevention measures. Africa CDC said it would convene an urgent high-level coordination meeting on Friday, with health authorities from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, alongside international partners including the World Health Organisation. The meeting will discuss cross-border surveillance, laboratory support, infection prevention, risk communication, safe burials, and mobilisation of resources. Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya noted the need for rapid regional coordination, due to the high movement of people between affected areas and neighboring countries. He said they would provide support in emergency operations, digital surveillance, laboratory coordination, infection prevention, and community engagement, while partners assess the availability of vaccines and treatments pending confirmation of the virus strain.
