Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo say at least 80 people have now died in an Ebola outbreak in the eastern Ituri province, as emergency teams intensify screening and contact tracing to contain the spread of the disease.
Officials first declared the outbreak on Friday, when 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases were reported, but say figures have since risen as surveillance expands across affected areas. Officials say laboratory tests have confirmed eight cases of Ebola, including four deaths, with the Bundibugyo strain identified as the cause of the outbreak.
The Congolese health ministry says the suspected index case may have been a nurse who died at a hospital in Bunia after showing symptoms consistent with Ebola, with the case dating back to late April.
The outbreak has also crossed borders, with Uganda confirming an Ebola case linked to travel from Congo. The patient later died in Kampala, prompting heightened screening at hospitals and entry points.
Ugandan authorities say no additional local cases have been confirmed, while regional health bodies warn of increased risk due to movement between affected countries, including South Sudan.
In neighbouring Kenya, officials have classified the risk of importation as moderate and say surveillance has been strengthened at border points. Health workers in Congo continue large-scale screening and contact tracing, but logistical challenges and insecurity in Ituri are slowing response efforts in some areas.
Authorities say testing is ongoing as they race to contain the outbreak and prevent further regional spread.
