The Digest:
A deadly Ebola virus outbreak has been confirmed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with 65 deaths reported so far, African health authorities said on Friday. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported 246 suspected cases, including four deaths among laboratory-confirmed patients. The outbreak has been confirmed in Ituri Province. Africa CDC has convened an urgent high-level coordination meeting with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and global partners to strengthen cross-border surveillance and outbreak response.
Key Points:
- Ebola is a highly contagious haemorrhagic fever that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids.
- The virus can cause severe bleeding, organ failure, and death.
- Over the past 50 years, Ebola has claimed around 15,000 lives in Africa.
- The deadliest DRC outbreak between 2018 and 2020 killed nearly 2,300 people.
- Cross-border surveillance with Uganda and South Sudan is critical to prevent wider spread.
Sources: P.M. News, Africa CDC
