WHO: 75 Ebola cases confirmed among DRC healthcare workers, 17 dead

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a severe Ebola outbreak, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that 75 healthcare workers have been infected and 17 have died. The outbreak was officially confirmed on April 15, but it is suspected that healthcare workers were exposed to the virus even before the official confirmation.

This situation highlights the critical strain on the DRC's healthcare system, which has one of the lowest ratios of healthcare workers to population globally, approximately 11 per 10,000 people. Dr. Marie Roseline Belizaire, head of WHO's emergency response, noted that about 90% of Ebola patients initially show no hemorrhagic symptoms, leading many to self-treat at home or seek care from traditional healers.

"The healthcare system in the DRC is truly paying a heavy price," Dr. Belizaire stated, emphasizing the severity of the current Ebola epidemic. The cumulative number of confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC has reached 896, with 232 deaths. Many experts believe the actual spread of the virus may be higher than official figures indicate.

Ebola, a virus causing high fever and systemic bleeding, was first identified in the DRC (then Zaire) in 1976. Different strains have fatality rates ranging from 25% to 90%. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has a fatality rate of about 50%. There is currently no vaccine or cure for Ebola. The recurring nature of outbreaks in Africa is attributed to the presence of fruit bats, monkeys, and gorillas, believed to be virus hosts, coupled with inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

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The healthcare system in the DRC is truly paying a heavy price.