GENEVA — The World Health Organization has confirmed 13 cases of Ebola in a new outbreak in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the Ituri province, raising renewed concerns over the spread of the deadly virus.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a briefing in Geneva that the cases were confirmed by the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa after initial field samples had tested negative before later laboratory analysis confirmed infection.
According to the WHO, a signal of suspected Ebola cases was first received on May 5, prompting the rapid deployment of response teams to Ituri to assist local health authorities, conduct investigations and collect samples.
The confirmed outbreak marks the 17th Ebola epidemic recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the virus was first identified in 1976. Health officials noted that the country has significant experience managing outbreaks of the disease.
WHO emergency teams are currently working alongside Congolese authorities in the affected region, with additional experts in infection prevention, logistics, clinical care and community engagement expected to join the response in the coming days.
The agency has also released $500,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support containment and response operations.
Key measures include intensified contact tracing, expanded laboratory testing, surveillance, infection prevention and improved access to treatment facilities.
WHO officials also said vaccine deployment remains an option if required, noting that the country has previously used Ebola vaccines and that global stockpiles can be mobilized depending on the strain.
While WHO has not yet confirmed official case or death totals, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported earlier figures suggesting hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths in the region, including confirmed fatalities among laboratory-verified patients.
The WHO said it will continue coordinating with national authorities and international partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
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