Congolese Ebola Outbreak Nears 1,000 Deaths as Crisis Grows

The latest outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is approaching a milestone that has seen nearly 1,000 people lose their lives, with 2,473 confirmed infections recorded, according to the country’s Ministry of Health. The outbreak, which began on 15 May, is believed to be one of the fastest-growing Ebola outbreaks ever, prompting fears among health experts and aid organizations.

Congolese Ebola outbreak, What is causing alarm is the fact that the current outbreak of the disease in the country has been caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which, unfortunately, does not have a vaccine yet.

Casualties Tally Nears 1,000

As per the figures announced by the Congolese government’s Ministry of Health:

2,473 Ebola infections (confirmed and probable)
999 fatalities
737 under medical observation and treatment

The situation could get even worse as the tracing teams find it increasingly challenging to trace the new infections.

Unknown Transmission Chains Spur the Spread

What makes things worse is the fact that 80% of the new infections have not been associated with known chains of transmission.

This makes it difficult for the authorities to track the source of the virus in most patients.

According to Africa CDC, less than 9% of the contacts are being monitored at present, which is far below what is needed to contain the spread.

Community Resistance Undermines the Effort

Other things complicating the fight against the virus include the resistance shown by some members of the communities suffering from the disease.

Reports indicate that some communities refuse safe and respectful burial, choosing instead traditional burial processes that make it easier for the virus to spread as a result of contact with infected bodies.

Burial teams are reported to require escort by security agencies in some instances.

There have been reports of shortages in burial materials and absence of burial teams in some health zones.

Healthcare Workers Under Threat

The situation has been further complicated due to attacks on healthcare professionals and treatment centers.

The provincial authorities revealed that an Ebola burial team was recently attacked in Bunia, where the assailants pelted their car with stones after the burial process.

On the other hand, some health professionals have reportedly called a strike because of nonpayment of salaries, further complicating the outbreak situation.

CDC of Africa Issues a Call

According to the Africa Health Summit in Ghana, Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) stated that the situation might turn out to be one of the deadliest outbreaks unless something is done immediately.

What Makes It Unique

Unlike other Ebola epidemics, the latest epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment yet.

Health experts believe that it makes responding to the epidemic more difficult because there is a stronger focus on:

Detecting cases early.
Contact tracing.
Safe burials.
Creating awareness in the community.
Taking infection-prevention measures.

Over 60 percent of all deaths occur outside the hospital settings where victims are receiving medical help.

Conclusion – Congolese Ebola outbreak

As the death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo nears 1,000, the health authorities warn that the situation is not under control yet. Lack of known transmission routes, security problems, poor contact tracing, and hostility from the community still stand in the way of controlling the situation. With no approved vaccine against the Bundibugyo virus, fast international help and stronger cooperation from the community will be crucial.

Congolese Ebola Outbreak Approaches 1,000 Casualties amid Fears That Situation is Worsening