ADDIS ABABA, May 16 (Xinhua ) -- The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced the activation of immediate response measures following an Ebola virus disease outbreak in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and confirmation of an imported case in Uganda.
In a statement issued late Friday, the African Union's specialized healthcare agency said that, to respond to this regional outbreak more coherently and holistically, it has taken immediate action, including the activation of an incident management support team, a 72-hour incident action plan covering responses in the DRC and Uganda, and preparedness efforts in the neighboring South Sudan.
The agency also expressed serious concerns over the risk of further spread, citing the intense population movement, mining-related mobility, insecurity in affected zones, gaps in contact listing, infection prevention and control challenges, as well as the proximity of affected areas to neighboring countries.
Preliminary laboratory results have detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples tested with the Bundibugyo virus, according to data from the Africa CDC. As of the latest update from the DRC, approximately 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths have been reported, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Four deaths have been reported among laboratory-confirmed cases.
Uganda's Ministry of Health, in a statement issued Friday, reported a confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease case in a 59-year-old Congolese male who was admitted to Kibuli Muslim Hospital on Monday and died on Thursday. Uganda has reported the case as imported from the DRC and indicated that no local case has yet been confirmed.
The Africa CDC stressed that the confirmation of an imported case in Uganda "underscores the importance of rapid regional coordination."
Reiterating that the Africa CDC stands in solidarity with the governments and people of the DRC and Uganda as they respond to this outbreak, Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya stressed that the situation "requires speed, scientific rigor and regional solidarity."
The Africa CDC chief said the agency is working with the two affected countries, South Sudan, and partners to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and response to swiftly contain transmission.
The Africa CDC stressed that early detection, prompt isolation and care, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, community engagement, and safe and dignified burials are essential to stopping transmission.
Ebola virus is highly contagious and can cause symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized pain or malaise, and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
According to the World Health Organization, Ebola fatality rates range from 50 percent to 89 percent, depending on the viral subtype. ■