DR Congo has quarantined a passenger ship on the Congo River after five passengers aboard died, sparking concerns about a potential Ebola virus outbreak, which is currently spreading within the country.
Foreign news agencies report that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) authorities have quarantined a passenger ship on the Congo River after five passengers on board died, raising fears of an Ebola virus outbreak. Officials are testing all 255 passengers on the ship for Ebola and cholera infections.
The 'Yingfeng 2,' operated by a Chinese company, has been ordered to dock near the Bende-Bende port, approximately 65 kilometers north of the capital, Kinshasa, along the river.
Roger Kamba, the Minister of Health, said the screening is a precautionary surveillance measure following the death of a passenger who had symptoms of fever and diarrhea and had disembarked earlier before dying in hospital. Additionally, two other adults, one three-year-old child, and one newborn infant have also died.
Medical teams from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) boarded the ship and set up a mobile laboratory to conduct tests. Minister Kamba confirmed that, so far, no positive Ebola cases have been found, and it is possible that no one will test positive after the 21-day incubation period.
According to the BBC, the Yingfeng 2 departed from Kisangani, the third-largest city in DR Congo, about two weeks ago. The ship was traveling more than 1,700 kilometers downriver towards Kinshasa before being stopped mid-river following WHO protocols.
Recent reports indicate Ebola cases have been identified in Kisangani, with at least four deaths. However, Minister Kamba added that no Ebola infections have been detected in Mongala province, where the deceased passengers had disembarked, contrary to earlier news reports.
DR Congo is currently facing its 17th Ebola outbreak, which was declared on 15 May. Investigations revealed the virus responsible is the rare 'Bundibugyo' strain, which has not caused outbreaks for over a decade and currently has no specific treatment or vaccine.
Three months since the outbreak declaration, confirmed cases and deaths continue to rise, with official figures showing 3,973 confirmed infections and 1,801 deaths, making it the country's second deadliest Ebola outbreak.
Additionally, more than 17,000 people are under surveillance after close contact with Ebola patients. There are currently 674 patients in isolation or treatment across five provinces, with 776 patients having recovered.
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Source:bbc