Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have released a river boat that was detained last week after fears that passengers could be carrying Ebola. Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said the vessel had initially been linked to Kisangani, where Ebola cases have been reported, but officials later established that it had actually departed from Mongala province, which was not identified as the source of the suspected exposure. The boat was stopped after a passenger became seriously ill and was forced to disembark. The person later died, but no sample was collected, meaning the cause of death could not be confirmed through laboratory testing. Two children and another adult subsequently died aboard the vessel, but tests for Ebola were negative. Other passengers who developed symptoms were also tested, with no Ebola infections detected.
The incident occurred as DR Congo continues to battle an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola. The World Health Organization reported more than 2,100 confirmed cases and over 800 deaths in the country by mid-July, with transmission reported across several provinces. Health authorities have nevertheless maintained heightened surveillance along the Congo River. Officials in Kinshasa say boats travelling within 65 kilometres of the capital will continue to be monitored, with two additional barges inspected on Saturday. The WHO says the outbreak remains active and is being addressed through expanded surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and other measures to limit transmission.
