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Tuesday , September 29 2026

What is Ebola, how does it spread and why is DR Congo outbreak an ’emergency’?

Mass gatherings have been banned in the six provinces with confirmed cases – Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele.

The capital city, Kinshasa – which has no confirmed cases and is located some 1,800 km (1,100) miles from the outbreak – has also been ordered to ban mass gatherings.

The government has now established four laboratories in Ituri – in Bunia, Mongbwalu, Beni and Aru – which can test blood samples for Bundibugyo and deliver results within 24 hours, removing earlier delays.

Surveillance systems, contact tracing and the treatment infrastructure, with dedicated centres in several affected towns, have also been expanded, according to the health minister.

The WHO has dedicated $3.9m (£2.9m) to tackling the outbreak, while Africa CDC has announced a $319m budget.

A toll-free number, 151, has been provided for reporting symptoms and people are being reminded to:

  • avoid contact with bodies of people who died with symptoms, or with dead animals

  • not eat raw meat, as undercooked food may transmit the virus

  • practise social distancing.


BBC News

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