• Over 300 passengers screened after a river boat incident related to Ebola.
• Precautionary measures include using a mobile lab for immediate testing.
• A potential new vaccination strategy is being considered for the Bundibugyo strain.
• Authorities reassure the public despite recent healthcare worker strikes.
• The outbreak is the 17th recorded in the region, with rising cases and deaths.

Congolese health authorities are screening over 300 passengers from a river boat intercepted near Kinshasa following the death of a passenger suspected of having Ebola. This precautionary measure follows the interception of the Yingfeng 2 vessel about 65 km upstream from the capital, where health officials set up a mobile laboratory for immediate testing, according to BBC and Reuters.

The health ministry reported that initial checks and clinical screenings are underway, with samples taken from four passengers showing symptoms like fever. Results are expected to be announced shortly, as health officials emphasized the importance of thorough screening to avoid missed infections, according to South China Morning Post and Africa News.

Authorities are also considering expanding vaccination measures to combat the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. Preliminary data suggest vaccination against the Zaire strain may offer some protection against Bundibugyo, a point highlighted by Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya, who noted no fatalities among previously vaccinated individuals, according to BBC and Reuters.

In terms of logistics, health officials expressed concern over operational challenges due to recent strikes by healthcare workers in eastern Congo. However, Kaseya reassured that government funding is being directed to ensure that frontline staff are paid, allowing for uninterrupted surveillance, testing, and care during the ongoing outbreak, as reported by South China Morning Post and Africa News.