Ebola spread in DR Congo 'alarming', charity warns, as WHO chief visits worst-hit area
Summary
The Ebola virus is spreading quickly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), with over 1,000 suspected cases and more than 240 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) and medical groups are working in the hardest-hit area, but conflict and delays are making it hard to control the outbreak.Key Facts
- More than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases and at least 246 deaths have been reported in DR Congo.
- Nine confirmed Ebola cases and one death have been reported in neighboring Uganda.
- The Ebola outbreak is caused by a rare strain called Bundibugyo, which currently has no proven vaccine.
- The WHO chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited the DR Congo’s Ituri province to oversee efforts and encourage local community involvement.
- Delays in testing and aid delivery happen because of border and airport closures and ongoing conflict in the region.
- A new laboratory in Bunia can now test samples in 24 hours, improving response speed compared to sending samples 1,500 km to the capital Kinshasa.
- Handling bodies of people who died from Ebola can spread the virus, which is why certain funeral practices are risky during the outbreak.
- Ebola usually spreads from animals like fruit bats to humans, and then between people through direct contact.
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