Ebola Outbreak Kills 65 In Congo

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday that a new Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with at least 65 deaths and more than 240 suspected cases reported so far.

Most suspected infections have been reported in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones in Ituri province, while additional cases have also appeared in Bunia, the province’s capital city. Officials said only a few deaths have been laboratory-confirmed so far, but testing remains ongoing as health teams work to track the outbreak.

Health officials are also investigating whether the outbreak involves a less common strain of the virus, which could make containment efforts more difficult. The Africa CDC said it is working with Congo’s health ministry and international partners to strengthen surveillance and help stop the spread of the disease.

The outbreak marks the 17th time Ebola has been recorded in Congo since the virus was first identified there in 1976.