Ebola outbreak confirmed in DR Congo

The World Health Organization has confirmed ten deaths from the deadly Ebola virus in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The deaths are among 13 probable and two confirmed Ebola cases reported as of the beginning of this week in Orientale province in eastern Congo.

There were also cases in the area of Isiro, a town in Congo's north – eight of which proved fatal, including three among health care workers. Congo's Pawa and Dungu regions each also report at least one fatality.

Glenn Thomas from the WHO says the UN body is working to coordinate the response. “The Congolese Ministry of Health has convened a national task force and is working with several partners including WHO, MSF Swiss, MSF Belgique and the CDC.” He said, “Similar task force have been set up and established at provincial and district levels to oversee and guide the response to this latest outbreak. At the moment WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions be applied to DR Congo."

Congo's Orientale province borders western Uganda, where 24 probable and confirmed cases, including 16 deaths, have been reported since the beginning of July. WHO is confident, however, that the outbreaks are unconnected.

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