The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention , Africa CDC has announced a surge in Ebola Virus Disease cases in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The outbreak, concentrated in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, has already seen approximately 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths. Preliminary laboratory results from the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) confirmed the virus in 13 of 20 samples. Early data suggests a non-Zaire ebola virus strain, with final sequencing results expected within the next 24 hours.
Health officials raised the alarm over the high risk of cross-border transmission. The proximity of the affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan, combined with intense population movement driven by the mining sector in Mongwalu and insecurity in the region, has created a volatile situation.
Director General of Africa CDC, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, disclosed that it is working with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and partners to strengthen surveillance and contain the outbreak as quickly as possible following the high population movement between affected areas and neighboring countries.
The Africa CDC has also called for an emergency high-level coordination meeting following a surge in Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Participants include:
Health Ministries from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.Global Agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, US CDC, European CDC, and China CDC.
Others scheduled for the meeting are Pharmaceutical & Tech Leaders and Financial Institutions: The World Bank, African Development Bank, and Afreximbank.
As sequencing continues to identify the exact species of the virus, the Africa CDC is preparing to assess the availability of medical countermeasures. In the interim, the agency is deploying support for digital surveillance and emergency operations.
The immediate priorities for the task force include cross-border surveillance, laboratory coordination, infection prevention, and the mobilization of resources for safe and dignified burials.
Africa CDC urges residents in Ituri and surrounding border areas to follow national health guidance strictly, report symptoms immediately, and avoid direct contact with suspected cases.
