Key facts
- Congo's Ebola outbreak has spread to the Tchomia health zone in Ituri province, the 26th affected zone.
- Investigators are examining the funeral of Pastor Paluku Makundi Denis as a potential "patient zero" case.
Congo's Ebola outbreak has expanded to the Tchomia health zone in Ituri province, marking the 26th affected area. Investigators are examining the funeral of Pastor Paluku Makundi Denis as a potential "patient zero" case to understand the epidemic's origins.
The expansion of the Ebola outbreak to a new health zone and the rising case numbers underscore the ongoing public health challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while the investigation into "patient zero" aims to improve containment strategies.
Congo's Ebola outbreak has spread to the Tchomia health zone in Ituri province, marking the 26th affected area. Investigators are examining events surrounding the funeral of Pastor Paluku Makundi Denis, who died in February, as a potential "patient zero" case to understand the epidemic's origins and spread.
Health authorities are struggling to contain the outbreak of a rare Ebola strain that has caused approximately 635 confirmed infections and at least 127 deaths in eastern Congo, with officials warning the true toll could be higher. The strain, Bundibugyo, is estimated to have been circulating for four to six months before the official confirmation on May 15.
Investigators are focusing on the pastor's funeral on February 4 in Mongbwalu, a remote gold-mining town. His body was transported in a cracked coffin, requiring a transfer to a new casket before a wake and burial, during which mourners often touch the remains. Within weeks of the funeral, dozens of deaths with symptoms including fever, vomiting, and bleeding were recorded in the community. The original cracked coffin was reportedly set ablaze under mysterious circumstances.
The pastor was diagnosed with peritonitis at a Bunia hospital on February 3, but no Ebola tests were conducted as an outbreak was not yet known. Experts note that peritonitis can be a manifestation of severe Ebola infection, but confirmation of the cause of death requires testing.
Within weeks of the pastor's death, several relatives also died, including his brother Idi, who died on February 16. The provincial health authority flagged these deaths for further investigation. Between April and May, at least 108 deaths were recorded in Mongbwalu, with patients presenting similar symptoms. The health ministry confirmed on June 9 that at least 40 people had died of Ebola in Mongbwalu, though aid workers suggest official figures may be incomplete due to limited testing.
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has increased to 676, including 136 deaths, government data showed on Thursday.