Congolese authorities have released a boat that was detained last week due to concerns that passengers might be carrying the Ebola virus.
In an interview with RFI on Sunday, the health minister of DR Congo clarified that there was a misconception regarding the vessel’s origin; it was initially thought to have come from Kisangani, where cases of the deadly virus had been identified.
Actually, the boat departed from Mongala, which is unaffected by Ebola.
The boat was reported after a passenger, who displayed symptoms resembling an Ebola infection, was forced to disembark due to illness.
The individual eventually passed away, but no samples were collected, eliminating the chance for a diagnosis. Two children and another adult also died on board; however, they tested negative for the virus. Additional passengers displaying symptoms underwent testing as well, yet no Ebola cases were identified among them.
Officials in Kinshasa stated they will persist in overseeing boats traveling downriver within a 65-kilometer radius of the capital. According to the minister, two barges had already been inspected on Saturday.
