Tests by a laboratory at the National Biomedical Research Institute in Goma confirmed the case was the Ebola Zaire strain and was genetically linked to Congo’s 10th outbreak in Ituri and North Kivu provinces from 2018 to 2020 that killed more than 2,000 people, it said. the Ministry.
The case involved a 46-year-old woman who was admitted to Beni Hospital in late July and died on August 15 after developing Ebola-related symptoms.
“Our team on the ground in Beni carried out a dignified and safe burial and also disinfected the hospital where the patient was staying,” the ministry said.
There are more than 130 high-risk contacts identified, of which 71 have come forward. The rest remain at large, the ministry said.
“We call on the population to calm down and respect hygiene measures,” the ministry’s statement added.
Congo has recorded 14 cases of Ebola since the virus was discovered in the conflict-torn country in 1976. The latest outbreak from April to July occurred in another area in Ecuador province, killing five people.
Ebola is spread by contact with an infected person’s body fluids or contaminated materials. However, the early symptoms of fever and muscle aches are similar to those of other common diseases such as malaria.
Apart from vaccinations, there is no effective treatment available that, if taken early, can significantly improve the chances of survival.
This latest announcement in Beni comes as the region is under threat from various rebel groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces rebels who have killed more than 2,000 people in more than a year, according to various rights groups.
