New Ebola outbreak is confirmed in Congo, with 65 deaths recorded

Nearly 250 cases of Ebola are suspected and 65 people have died in the new outbreak in Congo’s remote Ituri province.

Africa’s top public health body on Friday confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Congo’s remote Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths recorded so far.

Subscribe to read this story ad-free

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

The deaths and suspected cases have been recorded mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.

The Ebola virus is highly contagious and can be contracted through bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen. The disease it causes is rare, but severe and often fatal.