Authorities release vessel after tests find no Ebola cases
Congolese authorities have released a boat that was detained last week over concerns that passengers could be carrying the Ebola virus.
Vessel mistakenly linked to outbreak area
DR Congo’s health minister told RFI that the vessel was mistakenly believed to have originated from Kisangani, where Ebola cases have been detected. However, authorities later confirmed that the boat had actually departed from Mongala, an area currently free of Ebola.
Passenger dies after becoming ill
The boat was reported after a passenger became unwell and was forced to disembark with symptoms similar to those associated with Ebola. The passenger later died, but no samples were taken, meaning the cause of death could not be confirmed.
Other passengers test negative
Two children and another adult also died while aboard the vessel, but tests showed they were negative for Ebola. Other passengers who developed symptoms were also tested, with no cases of the virus detected.
Monitoring continues
Despite releasing the boat, authorities in Kinshasa say they will continue monitoring vessels travelling downriver within 65 kilometres of the capital as a precaution. Two barges had already been inspected on Saturday, according to the health minister.
