Congo’s Ebola outbreak rises to over 100 deaths

The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has claimed over 100 lives in less than a month since its declaration on May 15, as authorities intensify containment efforts. The grim toll highlights the challenges faced in controlling the disease, which was confirmed weeks after its initial spread.

Efforts to curb the outbreak are significantly complicated by a combination of factors. Health workers have been targeted by angry residents, some locals remain skeptical of the disease and containment measures, and persistent armed conflict in affected areas further disrupts crucial contact tracing and treatment operations. As of Sunday, 550 cases were confirmed, resulting in 101 deaths and 19 recoveries.

The outbreak is primarily concentrated in the Ituri province, accounting for over 90% of cases. Infections have also been reported in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, and the disease has crossed the border into Uganda. Officials believe the actual number of cases may be higher than reported, given the delayed confirmation and a current contact tracing coverage rate of 64%, although this has improved recently.

This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a less common strain for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists, unlike the more prevalent Zaire virus responsible for most of Congo's previous Ebola outbreaks. Authorities attribute the rapid increase in case detection partly to scaled-up diagnostic capacities, allowing for the testing of a backlog of collected samples. Health measures implemented in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, have impacted daily life, including restrictions on motorcycle taxis carrying only one passenger.

“

now only allowed to carry one customer per motorbike