Ebola outbreak spreads to new province in DR Congo

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported suspected Ebola cases in a new province, signalling further spread of the outbreak that has killed 600 people, Reuters reports.

Since the outbreak was declared on May 15, a total of 1,759 cases have been recorded in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, according to the government's latest situation report published on the ⁠night of July 8. 

However, two suspected cases identified in Kisangani, the administrative centre of Tshopo Province, have not yet been included in official figures.

One of the patients is linked to the Niania health zone in Ituri Province, where the first infections were detected. The second case has no confirmed geographical connection to previously known outbreak areas, according to preliminary data. Positive test results are undergoing further verification.

Epidemiological monitoring measures have already been strengthened in Kisangani, including contact tracing and other efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

Over the past 24 hours, the country has recorded 51 new infections and 20 deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the outbreak remains unstable and continues to expand, driven in part by population movement between regions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada