A new Ebola outbreak has killed at least 65 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province, according to Africa CDC; this is the 17th known outbreak of the deadly viral disease in the country since it was first identified in 1976.

Confirmed Cases and Spread

Africa CDC confirmed that 246 suspected cases have been recorded so far, with 65 deaths reported, while Of these, four were among lab-confirmed cases. Preliminary tests at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa detected the virus in 13 of 20 samples analyzed, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The virus has primarily been reported in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with additional suspected cases in Ituri’s provincial capital, Bunia, where laboratory confirmation is pending. The outbreak is raising concerns due to the urban settings of the affected areas and ongoing mining activities in Mongwalu, which could facilitate further transmission.

Challenges in Response

The Africa CDC highlighted the risk of further spread due to “intense population movement” between the affected areas and neighboring countries. Dr. Jean Kaseya. The agency’s executive director, emphasized the importance of regional coordination to contain the outbreak.

Responding to outbreaks in eastern DRC is particularly challenging due to limited road networks and ongoing armed conflict — the region is home to multiple armed groups, including the M23 rebel group and the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Force. These factors complicate health workers’ ability to reach affected communities and implement containment measures.

The Congolese government has not yet officially declared an outbreak, but a press conference was expected later on Friday, according to a government staffer, while the last recorded outbreak in the country, which occurred in 2023, resulted in 43 deaths before being declared over five months ago.

Public Health Concerns

There is currently no proven cure for Ebola, which is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids and causes severe bleeding and organ failure, and Early symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, a rash, and internal or external bleeding.

According to WHO, the average fatality rate for the disease is around 50%; all affected communities and at-risk areas have been advised to follow guidelines from national health authorities.

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