Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have quarantined a river boat carrying 255 passengers after five people died during the journey, prompting fears linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
Health officials intercepted the Yingfeng 2, a vessel operated by a Chinese company, near Bende Bende port. The location is about 65 kilometers upstream from the capital, Kinshasa.
As a precaution, officials began screening every passenger for both Ebola and cholera.
Health Teams Launch Emergency Screening
Health Minister Roger Kamba said the operation started after a passenger with fever and diarrhea left the boat in Mongala Province and later died in hospital.
In addition, two adults, a three-year-old child, and a newborn also died during the voyage.
However, authorities have not confirmed whether the deaths were caused by Ebola.
Meanwhile, experts from the Health Ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) boarded the vessel and established a mobile laboratory to conduct tests.
According to Kamba, no passenger has tested positive so far.
He added that officials remain hopeful because the boat left Mongala Province 22 days ago. The province has not reported any Ebola cases.
Boat Remains Under Quarantine
The Yingfeng 2 traveled more than 1,700 kilometers along the Congo River before authorities stopped it near Kinshasa.
Consequently, security forces ordered the vessel to remain offshore under WHO quarantine guidelines.
Officials say the move will reduce the risk of any possible spread into the capital.
Furthermore, public health teams remain on standby while screening and laboratory testing continue.
DR Congo Battles Growing Ebola Outbreak
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been battling its 17th Ebola outbreak since May 15.
This outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, which had not appeared for more than a decade.
Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain.
However, researchers in the United Kingdom are conducting the first human trials of an experimental vaccine.
Cases and Deaths Continue to Rise
According to official figures, the outbreak has now reached:
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- 3,973 confirmed Ebola cases
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- 1,801 deaths
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- 674 patients in treatment or isolation
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- 776 recoveries
- More than 17,000 people under health monitoring
As a result, this has become the country’s second-deadliest Ebola outbreak.
Kinshasa Strengthens Preparedness
Meanwhile, health authorities are increasing surveillance across Kinshasa.
Officials are reinforcing emergency response teams at Maluku, one of the capital’s main entry points.
In addition, medical teams continue to prepare for any possible spread of the Bundibugyo strain.
Authorities stressed that the quarantine measures are precautionary.
Nevertheless, they acknowledged that the rising number of infections highlights the seriousness of the outbreak.
