According to the head of Congo’s National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB), Prof. Jean Jacques Kayembe, the Ebola patient arrived in Goma from the city of Bunia in Ituri Province after her husband died from the virus.
AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the patient is currently receiving specialized treatment in Goma and that strict measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the disease.
These include tracing and closely monitoring everyone who had contact with the infected person.
Kanyuka added that AFC/M23 has set up a response team made up of medical experts and partner organizations to conduct investigations, carry out testing, and implement necessary prevention measures.
On the night of May 18, Kanyuka announced that 189 contacts had already been identified. He also said that 22 samples collected that day were sent to the INRB laboratory in Kinshasa for testing.
“Among the results received so far, five samples tested negative while other results are still pending,” he said.
AFC/M23 also reported that a suspected Ebola case was identified in Bukavu, South Kivu Province, but tests conducted by a laboratory in Goma confirmed that the person was not infected.
“So far, in all areas under our control, only one Ebola patient has been confirmed and is being treated in Goma. No other cases have been detected,” the group stated.
The coalition urged residents in the areas it controls not to panic, while encouraging them to remain vigilant and follow preventive measures against the virus.
In response to the outbreak reported in DRC, the Rwandan government closed the border crossings in Rubavu and Rusizi to prevent Ebola from entering the country.
Rwanda has also strengthened border screening and is working closely with local, regional, and international partners to protect public health.
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