DRC Reports New Ebola Outbreak in Ituri Province

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported a new Ebola outbreak in the northeastern province of Ituri. Cases have been identified in the health zones of Rwampara, Mongwalu, and Bunia. Two cases have also been confirmed in neighboring Uganda. The Congolese Ministry of Health identified the suspected initial case as a nurse who died at the Bunia Evangelical Medical Centre on April 27.

The ministry stated that the nurse had presented with symptoms suggestive of Ebola virus disease. Local sources said the funeral proceeded with people touching the body, which was not buried in a way to prevent the spread of Ebola.

Rwampara has recorded an average of five deaths daily over the past three days. An official in the Rwampara health zone told Al Jazeera that some deaths occurred in the community and others in healthcare facilities. The top priority is to set up an emergency Ebola treatment centre.

In Bunia, residents expressed concern about the outbreak occurring amid an ongoing humanitarian and security crisis. Constant Ulimwengu, a 40-year-old father of five, said daily lives would be severely affected if the outbreak is not contained. Sherif Musa, 29, recalled attending several funerals in April for people who died after showing symptoms resembling cholera.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention stresses the need to isolate suspected cases, identify contacts, and strengthen cross-border surveillance.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa CDC, said rapid action can prevent spread to neighbouring provinces and countries. Congolese professor and virologist Jean-Jacques Tamfum Muyembe said the outbreak is occurring in one of the most densely populated regions of the DRC.

He noted that Mongwalu is a mining region that attracts large numbers of people and that armed groups hold sway in the area. Local authorities are urging residents to follow hygiene protocols including regular hand washing and avoiding contact with people showing symptoms.