Congolese authorities have quarantined the Yingfeng 2, a boat carrying 255 passengers, on the Congo River for Ebola and cholera screening. The vessel was halted near Bende Bende port, approximately 65km upstream from Kinshasa.
Health Minister Roger Kamba stated that the screening is a precautionary measure following the death of a passenger who had disembarked earlier and subsequently died in hospital after experiencing fever and diarrhoea. A further two adults, a three-year-old child, and a newborn have also died. Teams from the health ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) are conducting tests on board, though no positive cases have been identified so far.
The boat departed Kisangani, where recent Ebola cases and at least four deaths have been reported, about two weeks ago. Security services have been instructed to quarantine the Yingfeng 2 offshore in line with WHO standards to prevent potential spread into the capital.
The DR Congo has been dealing with its 17th Ebola outbreak since 15 May, caused by the Bundibugyo species. Official figures indicate 3,973 confirmed cases and 1,801 deaths, making it the second deadliest Ebola outbreak. Preparations for a possible Bundibugyo response are intensifying in Kinshasa, with reinforced surveillance at the city's main entry point.