DR Congo Confirms Fresh Ebola Outbreak as Death Toll Rises to 65

A fresh outbreak of the Ebola virus has been confirmed in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), raising renewed concerns across the African continent as health officials intensify efforts to contain the deadly disease.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced on Friday that at least 65 deaths have been recorded in the latest outbreak. Authorities also revealed that 246 suspected cases have so far been identified in affected communities.

According to the Africa CDC, four of the deaths were among laboratory-confirmed Ebola patients, while investigations continue into the remaining suspected fatalities.

Health officials say response teams have been deployed to trace contacts, strengthen surveillance, and provide treatment in a bid to prevent the virus from spreading further within the region and across borders.

Eastern DR Congo has experienced several Ebola outbreaks in recent years due to recurring public health challenges and difficulties accessing some remote communities affected by insecurity.

The Ebola virus is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals. Symptoms commonly include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

African health authorities are urging residents in affected areas to report symptoms early, avoid physical contact with infected persons, and comply with public health measures aimed at containing the outbreak.