Health authorities on Friday confirmed that about 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been recorded in an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The suspected cases and 65 deaths were recorded mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara, with four deaths among confirmed cases.
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According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), hundreds of suspected cases have been reported in Ituri Province and Bunia.
Africa CDC said in a statement that preliminary tests by the National Institute of Biomedical Research detected the virus in 13 of 20 samples, citing consultations with the DRC’s Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute.
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Africa CDC also warned of a high risk of further spread due to urban settings, population movement, mining activities, insecurity, and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan.
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The agency is convening an urgent meeting on Friday afternoon with health authorities from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, as well as key international partners, to strengthen cross-border coordination, surveillance and response efforts.
Africa CDC Director General, Jean Kaseya, stressed that rapid regional coordination is essential due to the high mobility between affected areas and neighbouring countries.
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