Ebola Outbreak Confirmed in DRC’s Ituri Province; WHO Bolsters Response Efforts BODY: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo — The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The virus, identified in 2007 in Uganda, has now led to 67 suspected deaths in the DRC, prompting the WHO to scale up support for the country’s response.
The DRC’s National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa confirmed the outbreak, which has been linked to a cluster of severe illness and deaths in the Mongbwalu and Rwampara health zones.
The WHO has deployed a mission to the province to support local authorities in investigations and to implement control measures.
The outbreak poses significant challenges, including the presence of urban areas with high population movements, insecurity, and cross — border movement, all of which increase the risk of further transmission.
The WHO is working with the DRC’s Ministry of Health and other partners to strengthen disease surveillance, case finding, contact tracing, and infection prevention and control. Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of a swift and coordinated response to halt the spread of the virus and save lives.
The WHO is also airlifting supplies, including infection prevention and control materials, laboratory equipment, and case management supplies, to support frontline health workers and treatment facilities.
The current outbreak marks the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976.
The WHO and its partners remain committed to supporting the DRC government in its efforts to control the outbreak and protect the health of its population.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa Health
