DR Congo Intercepts Chinese Boat Amid Ebola Fears

Health authorities stopped the Yingfeng 2, a 255‑passenger vessel operated by a Chinese company, near Bende Bende port, 65 km from Kinshasa, after reports of five deaths linked to a possible Ebola outbreak.

The deceased, a feverish passenger who had left the boat earlier in Mongala Province, were followed by two adults, a 3‑year‑old child and a newborn, all of whom died in hospital.

Doctors from the Ministry of Health and the WHO have boarded the vessel, set up a mobile laboratory, and are screening all riders for Ebola and cholera.

Health Minister Roger Kamba said no one tested positive as of the operation, suggesting no cases after the 21‑day incubation period, but the boat remains quarantined to prevent further spread into Kinshasa.

The incident occurs amid the country's 17th outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain, which has claimed 1,801 deaths out of 3,973 confirmed cases, and 17,000 individuals are currently under monitoring.

Figure: The Yingfeng 2 intercepted before reaching Kinshasa.