DR Congo screens passengers on river boat after suspected Ebola death

Congolese health authorities are screening passengers aboard a river boat intercepted near Kinshasa after a traveler died of suspected Ebola, prompting precautionary measures to prevent the virus from spreading into the capital. The boat, identified as the Yingfeng 2, was halted at Bende Bende port, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) upstream from Kinshasa, according to Africa News. Health Minister Roger Kamba said screening was being carried out as a precaution after a passenger with fever and diarrhea, who had disembarked at an earlier stop, died in hospital. A further two adults, a three-year-old child, and a newborn have also died, the BBC reported.

The vessel, which departed from Kisangani, DR Congo's third-largest city, about two weeks ago, traveled more than 1,700 kilometers downstream before being intercepted, according to the BBC. The BBC also reported that Kamba said there had been no Ebola cases in Mongala Province, where the passenger who died had disembarked, contrary to earlier reports. Officials have given differing accounts of the man's movements and where he may have contracted the virus, the South China Morning Post reported.

Coverage comparison

Reports on the number of passengers screened have varied. Africa News reported that about 200 passengers were tested and isolated from the river boat. The BBC reported that Congolese authorities were screening 255 passengers aboard the boat. The South China Morning Post reported that more than 300 people were being screened. All three outlets agree that a mobile laboratory was deployed to the vessel and that passengers were undergoing temperature checks and clinical screening, with samples collected from those showing symptoms.

According to the South China Morning Post, the secretary general of DR Congo's health ministry, Body Ilonga Bompoko, said samples had been collected from four passengers with symptoms including fever, with results expected on Friday.

Key claims

  • Congolese health authorities were screening people on a river boat after the death of a passenger suspected of having Ebola.
  • A mobile laboratory was deployed to the vessel to conduct tests.
  • All passengers were undergoing temperature checks and clinical screening.
  • Samples were collected from passengers with symptoms and sent for testing.
  • The vessel was intercepted near Kinshasa after a passenger died of suspected Ebola.
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo has been grappling with its 17th Ebola outbreak since 15 May.
  • There have been 3,973 confirmed cases and 1,801 deaths in the current Ebola outbreak.
  • Authorities are considering using vaccines originally developed against the Zaire strain of Ebola to help curb the current outbreak.
  • Health workers in eastern Congo have been on strike, but the government has committed funds to pay frontline staff.

Perspectives

Health Ministry of DR Congo

Health Minister Roger Kamba emphasized the precautionary nature of the screening, stating that no one had tested positive so far and expressing hope that no one would test positive after the 21-day incubation period. He also addressed concerns about the outbreak's spread, noting that no Ebola cases had been reported in Mongala Province.

Africa CDC

Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said the testing of all passengers, including those without symptoms, was aimed at ensuring no infections were missed. He also discussed the potential use of Zaire-strain Ebola vaccines against the current Bundibugyo strain, noting preliminary data suggesting vaccinated individuals may experience milder illness and no deaths among vaccinated individuals. He also reassured the public over healthcare worker strikes, saying the government had committed funds to pay frontline staff.