NEW EBOLA OUTBREAK CONFIRMED IN CONGO’S ITURI PROVINCE, WITH 246 SUSPECTED CASES AND 65 DEATHS REPORTED, AS UGANDA RECORDS IMPORTED FATAL CASE. (PHOTO).

 New Ebola outbreak confirmed in Congo’s Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported, as Uganda records imported fatal case

  A new Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in Congo’s remote Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported so far, according to Africa’s top public health agency. Health officials said most cases have been concentrated in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with additional suspected infections reported in Bunia, near the border with Uganda. Preliminary laboratory testing detected the virus in 13 of 20 samples, though authorities said further sequencing is underway to determine the exact strain, which may differ from the Ebola Zaire variant seen in previous outbreaks.

Uganda also reported a separate fatal Ebola case involving a Congolese man who had recently traveled from the outbreak area. Health officials said the patient died after being treated in Kampala and confirmed posthumously that he was infected, adding that all identified contacts have been placed in quarantine. No additional local cases have been confirmed in Uganda, but authorities said monitoring is ongoing along the border region.

The Ebola virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood, vomit, and other secretions. While rare, it can cause severe illness and is often fatal. The World Health Organization said it has deployed support teams to assist Congo with investigations and sampling, and is releasing emergency funding to strengthen the response. Officials noted that Congo has experience responding to Ebola outbreaks and maintains vaccine and treatment stockpiles, though available vaccines are most effective against the Zaire strain.

The outbreak comes just months after Congo declared the end of its previous Ebola flare-up and raises concerns about potential cross-border spread into Uganda and South Sudan due to high population movement and limited infrastructure in the region. Health authorities are coordinating emergency meetings to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection control, and safe burial practices as efforts continue to contain the outbreak in an area already affected by armed conflict and humanitarian challenges.