No Ebola cases found on quarantined river boat, Congo authorities say
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed that passengers on a quarantined river boat tested negative for the Ebola virus. The vessel was isolated after a passenger died with symptoms resembling the disease, but officials have urged the public to remain calm.
Why it matters
Rapid containment and testing are vital to preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like Ebola in densely populated areas.
No cases of Ebola have been detected among passengers on a river boat that was placed in quarantine near Kinshasa, health authorities have said.
The confirmation announced on Saturday (August 8, 2026) eased concerns that the rare Bundibugyo virus might spread to the Congolese capital.
More than 200 boat passengers were placed in quarantine on Thursday (August 6) in the port of Maluku, 65 kilometres (40 miles) from Kinshasa, after one traveller who was previously aboard the boat died with symptoms matching the Ebola virus.
Specialist teams from the Ministry of Health were deployed to Maluku to examine all of those on board. Those exhibiting suspicious symptoms had samples taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis, the Ministry said on Saturday (August 8), adding that the vessel was also decontaminated.
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