The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed an ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and says it is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with national and global health partners.
According to Africa CDC, an urgent high-level coordination meeting has been convened with representatives from the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and other international partners. The meeting aims to strengthen cross-border surveillance, preparedness, and response measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Following consultations with the DRC Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute, preliminary laboratory analysis conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa confirmed the presence of Ebola virus in 13 out of 20 tested samples.
Current reports indicate approximately 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, with most cases recorded in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Among the confirmed cases, four deaths have been recorded. Additional suspected cases have also been identified in Bunia, pending laboratory confirmation.
Health authorities continue to intensify surveillance, case investigation, and response activities as efforts are underway to contain the outbreak and limit cross-border transmission risks in the region.
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