DR Congo Ebola outbreak tops 8,000 cases as health-worker shortage deepens

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola outbreak has infected 8,067 people and killed 3,901 since it was announced on May 15, according to Health Ministry data cited by The Guardian. Cases have been confirmed in seven provinces, making it the country’s largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak.

The World Health Organization has warned that the outbreak remains out of control and that the country lacks enough staff for treatment centres. Sky News described it as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, while Al Jazeera reported that its spread into new areas has put 10 neighbouring countries at high risk. The epidemic’s centre has shifted from Ituri to North Kivu, including the densely populated city of Butembo, as transmission accelerates amid conflict, insecurity and an overburdened health system, France24 reported.

The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no approved treatment or vaccine. Health workers are sometimes treating neighbours and relatives without adequate protective equipment, according to France24.

Violence and misinformation are also disrupting the response. Marie-Celestin Karondwa, a senior local official in the ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress party, died after being beaten following a radio appearance in which he promoted Ebola prevention measures, his party said. The attackers also stole his belongings and set his house on fire. Separately, armed men attacked a hand-washing checkpoint in Beni territory, killing at least one person and wounding several others, a local civil society group reported.