The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed on Friday an Ebola outbreak in the Northeastern Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Following the announcement, officials in Uganda reported that the hemorrhagic disease had crossed the border, with one "imported" case confirmed in Kampala, the capital.

Current Outbreak Statistics

As of the latest reports, the DRC has recorded 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, primarily in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones.

The outbreak is now considered the 10th largest Ebola outbreak in recorded history, despite only recently being reported.

DRC’s 17th Ebola Outbreak and Unusual Strain

This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976.

Unlike previous outbreaks, preliminary laboratory results indicate that this outbreak is not caused by the Zaire Ebola virus strain, which has been responsible for most past outbreaks. Further genetic sequencing is underway to determine the exact strain driving the current illnesses.