An outbreak of Ebola has killed 65 people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to African health officials. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported 246 suspected cases of the deadly haemorrhagic fever in Ituri province, which shares borders with Uganda and South Sudan.
Concerns Over New Strain
Officials at Africa CDC expressed concern about the risk of further spread, particularly because the affected area is home to mining towns with constant population movement, complicating infectious disease control. The DRC's national research laboratory detected the Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples tested. While previous outbreaks in the DRC have typically involved the Zaire strain, for which vaccines are available, early testing suggests the current outbreak may involve a different type. Fuller genetic sequencing results are expected within 24 hours.
Regional Coordination Urged
Africa CDC convened an urgent meeting with authorities from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, as well as the World Health Organization and pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, stated, "Africa CDC stands in solidarity with the government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they respond to this outbreak. Given the high population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries, rapid regional coordination is essential."
Cases have been reported mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with suspected cases also in neighbouring Bunia. The DRC has experienced 16 Ebola outbreaks since the virus was identified there in 1976.
Expert Analysis
Dr. Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, commented, "The Democratic Republic of the Congo often sees fatalities from Ebola. There is likely a perfect storm of factors that cause these regular outbreaks. Close human contact with animal reservoirs, most likely bats but possibly also primates, is one factor. Other concerns include the movement of people between rural and urban environments, the tropical climate, and the high rainforest coverage."
For context, the 2014-16 Ebola outbreak in West Africa resulted in an estimated 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths.
