Ebola outbreak confirmed in DR Congo, Uganda: African health agency

Lead

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern Ituri province, reporting 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths as of Friday. The outbreak has raised concerns about cross-border spread in a region already affected by conflict and frequent population movements, according to multiple reports.

Coverage Comparison

The outbreak has been reported by several international news outlets, with variations in the figures cited. Africa News and AllAfrica report 80 deaths and 246 suspected cases, while Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, The Guardian, RFI, South China Morning Post, and The Hindu report 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases. The discrepancy in death tolls may reflect different reporting periods or case definitions.

Most outlets identify the affected areas as the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones in Ituri province, about 100 kilometres north of the provincial capital Bunia. RFI and South China Morning Post add that the Ebola virus has been detected in 13 of 20 samples tested by the National Biomedical Research Institute in Kinshasa.

Key Claims

• The outbreak is centered in Ituri province, which borders Uganda and South Sudan, raising fears of regional transmission.
• The Africa CDC has convened an urgent meeting with health authorities from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, along with international partners, to coordinate surveillance and containment efforts.
• Preliminary laboratory results have detected the Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples tested, with early indications suggesting a non-Zaire strain of the virus.
• The agency has expressed concern about the risk of further spread due to intense population movement linked to mining activities and cross-border trade.
• Uganda's Health Ministry reported that a Congolese man died in Kampala and posthumously tested positive for the virus, describing the case as "imported" and stating that no local cases had been confirmed.
• The DRC has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks, including its deadliest between 2018 and 2020, which killed nearly 2,300 people, according to Deutsche Welle.
• The Government of Liberia has activated enhanced Ebola surveillance measures at all points of entry for travelers arriving from or transiting through the DRC or Uganda, as reported by AllAfrica.
• A viral audio message has sparked public anxiety in Liberia, reviving memories of the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic, according to AllAfrica, though health authorities have stated that no confirmed, probable, or suspected cases have been recorded in the country.

Perspectives

Africa CDC

The agency has declared the outbreak and is coordinating an urgent regional response, warning of "intense population movement" and the risk of further spread due to mining-related mobility and the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara.

Uganda's Health Ministry

Uganda has reported the death of a Congolese national in Kampala who tested positive for the virus, describing the case as imported and emphasizing that no local cases have been confirmed.

Government of Liberia

The Liberian government has activated enhanced surveillance and travel measures at points of entry, issuing a travel advisory requiring travelers from affected countries to complete surveillance forms and undergo health screening.

Local residents in Rwampara

Residents in the affected area have expressed fear and described the situation, with accounts of people dying after showing symptoms and concerns about the spread of the disease during burials, as reported by Africa News.