DRC Screens Boat Passengers Over Suspected Ebola Case

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are screening more than 300 passengers after intercepting a river boat near Kinshasa following the death of a traveller suspected of having Ebola.

The vessel was stopped in Maluku, about 65 kilometres upstream from the capital, after officials received reports that a 32-year-old passenger who later died had shown symptoms consistent with Ebola. A mobile laboratory was deployed to the boat to screen passengers and reduce the risk of further transmission.

Health Ministry Secretary-General Body Ilonga Bompoko said all passengers were undergoing temperature checks and clinical assessments. Samples were collected from four passengers with symptoms, including fever, and test results are expected on Friday.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the suspected case after conflicting accounts emerged over the man’s travel history. Initial reports linked him to Kisangani in Tshopo Province, while Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said the boat departed from Mongala Province, where no Ebola cases have been reported. Officials are also working to determine where the deceased boarded the vessel.

Separately, Africa CDC announced plans to expand the use of a vaccine developed for the Zaire strain of Ebola after preliminary data indicated it may provide some protection against the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the current outbreak. Authorities also plan to increase the use of the antiviral drug remdesivir in affected areas.

The suspected Ebola case has not yet been laboratory-confirmed.

SOURCE: Reuters