A new outbreak of Ebola virus has been confirmed in Ituri Province, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), triggering fears of wider regional spread. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says around 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported, mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara zones. Laboratory tests in Kinshasa detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples analysed.
Africa CDC has called an urgent coordination meeting with the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, alongside international partners, to reinforce surveillance and outbreak response measures. Suspected cases have also emerged in Bunia.
At a press conference this afternoon, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he had spoken with DRC Health Minister and assured him of WHO’s “full support”. He said…
