By Our Correspondent

National News – A fresh Ebola outbreak has claimed 65 lives in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, raising fears of a wider health emergency across Central Africa.

The outbreak was confirmed in Ituri Province, where 246 suspected and confirmed cases have been recorded in the gold-mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara.

Health officials say the virus could spread quickly due to heavy movement of miners, traders and residents across borders with Uganda and South Sudan.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced the outbreak on Friday and said emergency meetings were being held with regional governments and international partners.

Authorities are focusing on surveillance, treatment and border monitoring to prevent further infections.

Preliminary laboratory tests carried out in Kinshasa confirmed Ebola in 13 of 20 samples collected from affected communities.

Ebola is a deadly viral disease first discovered in 1976 in DR Congo.

It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.

Early symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, weakness and muscle pain, while severe cases can lead to bleeding, organ failure and death.

The World Health Organisation estimates the virus has an average fatality rate of about 50 percent.

Health experts are particularly worried about the situation in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, where additional suspected cases are under investigation.

Crowded urban settlements and insecurity caused by armed groups in the region could make containment efforts more difficult.

Officials say regional cooperation will play a key role in stopping the outbreak.

Communities in affected areas have been urged to follow health guidelines, avoid direct contact with suspected patients and report symptoms immediately.

DR Congo previously suffered its deadliest Ebola outbreak between 2018 and 2020, when nearly 2,300 people died.