A new Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed at least 80 people, raising fresh concerns among health authorities across Central and East Africa.
The outbreak was officially confirmed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, which reported around 246 suspected and confirmed cases in Ituri province.
Most infections have been detected in the gold mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara, where health officials fear crowded living conditions and constant movement of workers could accelerate transmission of the deadly virus.
Authorities are also investigating additional suspected cases in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, while laboratory tests continue to identify the exact Ebola strain involved in the outbreak.
Health concerns intensified after officials in Uganda confirmed one imported Ebola case linked to the outbreak in Congo.
According to reports, a 59 year old man from DR Congo died at a hospital in Kampala after testing positive for the virus.
Health experts warned that frequent travel and cross border movement between DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan could increase the risk of wider regional spread.
Ebola is a severe and often deadly viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding and organ failure. According to the World Health Organization, the virus has an average fatality rate of nearly 50 percent, although early treatment can improve survival chances.
This marks the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in DR Congo since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976.
The region has repeatedly faced public health challenges due to armed conflict, population displacement and weak healthcare infrastructure, all of which complicate outbreak response efforts.
African health authorities said emergency coordination meetings are underway with neighbouring countries and international partners to strengthen surveillance, treatment capacity and containment measures.
The outbreak has renewed concerns about regional preparedness as officials work urgently to prevent further transmission across Central and East Africa.
