EBOLA ALERT: Africa CDC activates emergency response as DRC outbreak claims 65 lives

Africa, Health

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has activated emergency response measures following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The agency said it was working closely with the DRC Ministry of Health, Uganda, South Sudan and other global partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread across the region.

Africa CDC disclosed that it convened an urgent high-level meeting on Thursday to strengthen cross-border surveillance, preparedness and emergency response coordination.

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According to preliminary laboratory findings released by the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa, 13 of 20 samples tested were positive for the Ebola virus.

The outbreak has so far resulted in 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, mainly recorded in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones.

Health authorities also confirmed four deaths among laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases.

The agency added that additional suspected cases had been identified in Bunia, with laboratory confirmation still pending.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or tissues of infected persons or animals. Common symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

Health experts advise the public to avoid physical contact with infected persons, maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid handling dead bodies without protective equipment and promptly report suspected symptoms to health authorities for early treatment and containment.

Africa CDC said it continued to support national authorities and partners in enhancing coordination, risk communication, case management and regional preparedness efforts.

The public health body reaffirmed its commitment to working with affected countries and international partners to contain the outbreak and reduce the risk of wider transmission across the region.