Ebola in Ituri: Health authorities warn against self-medication

Health officials in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo are issuing a stark warning against self-medication for individuals experiencing symptoms similar to Ebola. This urgent appeal comes after a series of deaths in the city of Bunia, where victims presented with alarming signs such as sudden nosebleeds and bleeding from the mouth.

Recent cases, reported last Friday in the Lumumba neighborhood, involved a father and son who collapsed and began bleeding profusely while riding a motorcycle. Witnesses reported the motorcycle driver fled the scene, leaving the two men unattended. Both died before health response teams could reach them. Health authorities attribute these fatalities directly to self-treatment practices among individuals who suspect they have contracted Ebola.

Dr. John Kabutabuka, the medical director of Bunia General Hospital, emphasized that these incidents are not isolated. He noted similar occurrences in the Horo and Ndibe neighborhoods, highlighting a concerning trend of delayed medical attention. "When people collapse in the street, it means the message for patients to go directly to the hospital has not been well received," Dr. Kabutabuka stated, stressing the critical importance of early intervention to reduce mortality and curb the virus's spread within the community.

To bolster surveillance and response efforts, health services have established a toll-free number, 151. Residents are encouraged to report any suspected cases or individuals showing Ebola-compatible symptoms immediately. Authorities hope this measure will enhance early detection and prevent further transmissions in Ituri, a province where vigilance against the highly contagious disease remains paramount.