Rebel-held eastern Congo records six new Ebola cases
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Six new Ebola cases have been recorded in areas of eastern Congo controlled by AFC/M23 rebels, the group said on Friday. The cases were detected in Kayna and Alimbongo health zones near Lubero, close to the front line with government forces. The announcement comes days after the only previously known active case in rebel-held territory was discharged.
Key Facts
- Six new Ebola cases were recorded in rebel-held eastern Congo on Friday, according to AFC/M23.
- Two cases were detected in Kayna health zone and four in neighbouring Alimbongo health zone, both near Lubero.
- Four of the cases were identified through post-mortem testing of people who died in the community.
- The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has caused more than 4,000 deaths among 8,300 confirmed cases since May 15.
New Cases in Rebel Territory
AFC/M23 rebels said six new Ebola cases were recorded on Friday in areas under their control in eastern Congo. Two cases were detected in Kayna health zone and four in neighbouring Alimbongo health zone, both near Lubero and close to the front line with government forces. Epidemiological investigations showed the six cases were part of the same chain of transmission stemming from a case that came from the city of Butembo in government-held territory. The rebels had declared areas under their control Ebola-free in late June, having previously recorded only four cases.
Outbreak Toll and Response
Four of the new cases were identified through post-mortem testing of people who died in the community, while the other two patients are receiving treatment. Efforts are underway to identify and trace contacts, the rebels said in a statement. The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo was declared on May 15 and has now caused more than 4,000 deaths among 8,300 confirmed cases, according to government data released on Friday. A previous case was confirmed in Kayna health zone in early September, and that patient was discharged on Tuesday after spending 26 days at the Ebola treatment centre there.
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