New Ebola outbreak kills 65 in eastern DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is once again grappling with the deadly Ebola virus, as Africa's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa) has declared an outbreak in the eastern Ituri province. This marks the 17th outbreak of the disease in the country, which has a history of battling the virus since its discovery in 1976.

The current outbreak has primarily affected the gold-mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara, with reports of around 246 cases and 65 deaths. The gravity of the situation has prompted CDC Africa to convene an urgent meeting with the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and other international partners to coordinate response strategies and enhance cross-border surveillance.

While the Congolese government has yet to officially declare an outbreak, preliminary tests have confirmed the virus in a significant number of samples. The region of Ituri has also been under military rule since 2021, an effort to neutralize numerous armed groups operating in the area, adding a layer of complexity to the public health crisis.

For BBC News, reporting from Kinshasa, the focus is on the immediate public health threat and the international cooperation required to contain the virus. The article highlights the historical context of Ebola in the DRC, including the devastating 2018-2020 outbreak that claimed nearly 2,300 lives, and last year's outbreak in Kasai province which resulted in 45 deaths. The lack of a cure for Ebola underscores the critical importance of early detection, rapid response, and robust surveillance to prevent further spread.

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Its statement on Friday added that it was convening a meeting with DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and other international partners to discuss response efforts and cross-border surveillance.