New Ebola Outbreak Confirmed in DRC with 65 Deaths; Unknown Virus Strain Raises Concerns

The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, May 15th local time. At least 246 suspected cases have been reported with 65 deaths, occurring roughly five months after the previous outbreak in Congo ended with 43 deaths.

Ebola virus spreads easily through bodily fluids including blood, vomit, and semen. While rare, the disease is severe and often fatal, with four laboratory-confirmed deaths and additional suspected cases in the city of Bunia awaiting confirmation.

Preliminary laboratory testing detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples, indicating this is not the Zaire strain commonly found in previous Congo outbreaks. Officials are conducting genetic sequencing to further characterize this strain.

The World Health Organization noted last year that Congo had approximately 2,000 doses of Ervebo vaccine available, though this vaccine is only effective against the Zaire strain of Ebola.

Ebola is classified in the same disease group as dengue fever and is a severe infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus. While not yet detected in Thailand, infection can be life-threatening. The disease is primarily found in Africa, with an incubation period of 2-21 days. Initial symptoms include high fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. Secondary symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes, and abnormal liver and kidney function. In severe cases, patients experience internal and external bleeding, with high mortality rates due to liver and kidney failure and damage to internal organs.