Congolese authorities are screening all 255 passengers aboard a Chinese‑operated boat that was intercepted on the Congo River, following five deaths that raised fears of Ebola transmission.
The vessel, named Yingfeng 2, was halted 65 kilometres upstream from Kinshasa at Bende Bende port, roughly 40 miles from the capital. Health Minister Roger Kamba explained that the precautionary screening came after a passenger who had exhibited fever and diarrhoea—who had left the boat in Mongala Province—died in hospital. Three additional deaths, two adults, a three‑year‑old child and a newborn, followed.
WHO and Congolese health teams set up a mobile laboratory aboard the boat to conduct tests.
For now, no one has tested positive, and it is likely none will be after the 21‑day incubation period has elapsed, Kamba told reporters.
He added that the vessel had departed Mongolia Regiment 22 days earlier, where no Ebola cases had been reported, contrary to earlier rumors. The passenger had been treated at the Pimu health zone in Mongala before being taken off the boat.
The boat had travelled more than 1,700 km downstream towards Kinshasa before interception. Security services are quarantining it offshore following WHO guidelines to prevent potential spread into the capital. Public health teams remain on standby to respond once the boat is secured.
Since the outbreak was declared on 15 May, Congo has counted 3,973 confirmed cases and 1,801 deaths, making it the second‑deadliest Ebola outbreak in history. More than 17,000 people are under monitoring for contact with cases, 674 patients are isolated, and 776 have recovered.
In Kinshasa, surveillance and rapid‑response capacities are being strengthened at Maluku, the city’s main entry point. Officials emphasize that the measures are precautionary but underline the seriousness of the situation.
Source of image: Reuters (man with megaphone, shouting “Stop Ebola”) Open full image
