Ebola outbreak confirmed in DR Congo’s Ituri
- Africa Trending
Otaria Benjamin- 0
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Africa CDC confirms new outbreak in DR Congo with about 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported /Photo: WHO Afro / WHO
Africa’s top public health agency confirmed an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province on Friday.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said it is convening an urgent meeting with Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and global partners to strengthen cross-border surveillance, preparedness and response.
About 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported, mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, the agency said. Four deaths were reported among laboratory-confirmed cases.
Initial findings suggest the presence of a non-Zaire strain of the virus. Sequencing is ongoing to further identify the strain.
The agency said it is concerned about the risk of further spread due to the urban setting of Bunia and Rwampara, intense population movement and mining-related mobility in Mongwalu.
Ebola virus disease is severe and often fatal. It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people, contaminated materials or those who have died from the disease, the Africa CDC said.
SOURCE: Reuters
