Congo Ebola Outbreak Surpasses 11,000 Cases

The outbreak, declared in mid-May, has caused nearly half as many deaths as infections, according to the latest health ministry figures. The Bundibugyo virus has no known vaccine or treatment, and the outbreak has spread to eight of Congo’s 26 provinces.

Authorities face obstacles including armed conflict, a strained health system, poor roads and violence linked to mistrust and misinformation. Renewed fighting in Ituri and North Kivu has raised concern among health officials, who want health workers to be able to reach patients safely. Ituri has nearly 70% of cases, while North Kivu is now the main area of new transmission, Health Minister Roger Kamba said.

Medical facilities and health workers have been attacked by people skeptical of the disease. In Ituri, infections among teachers have affected some schools. Two head teachers in Bunia said they were concerned for students and staff after losing colleagues. One, Isaac Singoma, said school communities had been traumatized and needed psychological support.

The disease has also spread to Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria. The current outbreak is the second largest on record. West Africa’s 2014–2016 outbreak caused about 28,000 infections and more than 11,000 deaths; the Congo outbreak has recorded at least three times as many cases and deaths in the period since its declaration. Experts have called for greater efforts to contain the spread.