Reported Ebola Cases in North Ubangi Could Mark Outbreak’s Spread to Eighth DRC Province

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reportedly reached North Ubangi, a province bordering the Central African Republic, according to two health officials who spoke to Reuters.

The officials said two cases had been recorded in North Ubangi. If included in the outbreak’s tally, the development would make it the eighth Congolese province affected by the virus.

Congolese authorities had not announced the reported cases at the time of the account, and the available information does not state whether the two cases had been laboratory-confirmed.

Tests followed reported suspect deaths

The reported cases came after a series of deaths described as suspect in the Wapinda health area. The area is close to the border with Bas-Uele, and the deaths prompted health officials to conduct tests.

The outbreak was declared on May 15 and is being caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. According to figures cited in the report, the outbreak had resulted in more than 9,000 cases and 4,441 deaths.

The Bundibugyo strain has no vaccine or treatment, according to the information available. The World Health Organization has said a first clinical trial for an Ebola vaccine in the Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to begin by the end of October.

Regional cases reported

The outbreak has also involved Uganda, which declared itself Ebola-free in August. In Kenya, authorities announced a second case of the virus involving a relative of the first patient, who died on October 5.

The reported development in North Ubangi adds to concerns about the outbreak’s reach across the region, while official confirmation from Congolese authorities remains pending.