About 28 suspected cases of Ebola, were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed 15 deaths, as a result, from three areas of the Bulape health zone (Bulape, Bulape Com and Dikolo) and Mweka.
Six samples collected from five suspected cases and one probable death from Bulape health zone, were sent to the National Public Health Laboratory (INRB) in Kinshasa for confirmation testing.
All five samples tested positive for the Ebola virus (EBOV).
Of the total number of fatalities, four are health-care workers.
About 80% of the suspected cases are aged 15 years and older.
The Ministry of Health, in that country, supported by the WHO and partners, is implementing public health response measures to contain the outbreak.
The Ebola virus (EBOV) belongs to the species Orthoebolavirus Zairense.
According to the WHO, the virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with the blood or secretions of infected wildlife and then spreads through human-to-human transmission, by direct contact with bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated surfaces and materials.
The incubation period (the time between infection with the virus and the onset of symptoms) ranges from 2 to 21 days, but typically is 7–11 days.
Symptoms of EBOV are fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and a sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and both internal as well as external bleeding.
For people recovering from the virus, symptoms can range from feeling tired to anxiety and depression.
Map of suspected cases in the DRC, supplied by the WHO.