Kinshasa: Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the country’s eastern Ituri province, raising fresh fears of regional spread and putting neighbouring countries on high alert.
The announcement was made by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention after several suspected cases and deaths were reported in the mining areas of Mongwalu and nearby health zones in Ituri. Officials said the outbreak has already caused dozens of deaths, while hundreds of suspected infections are under investigation.
According to Africa CDC, at least 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been recorded so far. Laboratory tests have confirmed several Ebola infections, while health teams continue to examine samples to determine the exact scale of the outbreak.
Medical experts are especially concerned because early investigations suggest that the virus involved may not be the common Zaire strain that has caused many of Congo’s previous outbreaks. Scientists are now carrying out genetic sequencing to identify the strain and understand how effective current vaccines and treatments may be against it.
The outbreak has triggered urgent meetings between Congo and neighbouring countries including Uganda and South Sudan. Health authorities are working together to strengthen screening at border crossings, increase surveillance and prepare hospitals in case infections spread beyond Congo’s borders.
Ituri province shares important trade and travel routes with nearby regions, and officials fear that frequent movement of miners, traders and families could make the outbreak harder to contain. The city of Bunia, which is close to affected areas, has also been identified as a potential risk zone because of its large population and busy transport links.
International health organisations, including the World Health Organization, are preparing to support the response with emergency medical supplies, testing facilities, protective equipment and trained health workers. Vaccination campaigns may also begin in affected communities once scientists confirm the strain of the virus.
Health workers have already started tracing people who may have had close contact with infected patients. Isolation centres are being prepared, while local radio stations and community leaders are helping spread awareness about symptoms and prevention measures.
Ebola is one of the world’s most dangerous infectious diseases. It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people or contaminated materials. Common symptoms include fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding. Without quick treatment and isolation, the disease can spread rapidly within families and communities.
Congo has faced repeated Ebola outbreaks over the years and has more experience with the disease than almost any other country. The virus was first identified in the country in 1976, and several major outbreaks have occurred since then, especially in the eastern regions affected by armed conflict and weak healthcare systems.
The latest outbreak comes only a few months after Congo declared the end of another Ebola outbreak in Kasai province. Health officials had hoped that improved surveillance systems and vaccination programmes would help reduce future outbreaks, but recurring violence and poor healthcare access continue to create major challenges.
Uganda and other neighbouring countries are now increasing monitoring at airports and border posts. Uganda successfully controlled imported Ebola cases during previous outbreaks and is expected to play a key role in regional preparedness efforts.
Public health experts say quick action in the coming days will be critical to stopping the spread of the disease. Authorities are urging communities to report symptoms early, avoid contact with infected individuals and cooperate with medical teams working in affected areas.
As Congo once again confronts the deadly virus, health officials warn that international support and strong community cooperation will be essential to prevent another large scale health crisis in the region.