The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed a new outbreak of the highly contagious Ebola virus in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a statement on Friday, the agency reported 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases in the remote Ituri province, primarily in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Four deaths were among laboratory-confirmed cases.

Africa CDC is convening an urgent meeting with Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, and global partners to reinforce cross-border surveillance, preparedness, and response efforts.

The agency expressed concern about the risk of further spread due to the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara, intense population movement, and mining-related mobility in Mongwalu.

Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids, causing fever, vomiting, body aches, and diarrhea. The disease is often fatal.

This is Congo's 17th outbreak since the virus was first detected in 1976. The previous outbreak, which killed 43 people, was declared over about five months ago.

Congo, the second-largest country in Africa by land area, faces immense challenges in responding to outbreaks due to limited road networks. Simultaneously, the country is battling armed groups in the east, including the M23 rebel group and the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces.

The deadliest Ebola outbreak in Congo between 2018 and 2020 killed more than 2,000 people.

Source: www.dw.com