The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed more than 300 lives, just over a month after the outbreak was declared, according to health authorities. The National Public Health Institute reported 304 deaths from 1,115 confirmed infections since the outbreak was detected on May 15, yielding a mortality rate of 26.3%. This marks an increase from 202 deaths and 875 infections reported on June 18 by the African Union's health agency, which had a mortality rate of 23%.
Current Situation and Spread
The deadly viral disease spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe bleeding and organ failure. The Red Cross warned last week that the outbreak has yet to peak and could take up to a year to contain. In some positive news, DRC authorities announced in early June that several Ebola patients had been treated and cured.
The outbreak has spread to Uganda, where containment measures have been effective. Kampala has reported 20 confirmed cases nationwide, including two deaths, since May 15. Most of those infected are Congolese nationals who have traveled to Uganda. On Wednesday, France reported the outbreak's first confirmed case outside Africa—a Congolese doctor who was working in the DRC for the international medical aid NGO ALIMA. The World Health Organization says there is minimal risk of the virus spreading in Europe and no need for travel restrictions. However, Air France, on which the doctor flew back to France, has suspended all flights to Kinshasa for several days.
Challenges in Response
Responders face towering challenges in combating the epidemic, the 17th to hit the vast, unstable central African country. No approved vaccines or treatments exist for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus responsible for the latest outbreak. The three affected provinces in eastern DRC—Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu—have been plagued for three decades by conflict and mass displacement, complicating the response.
The vast majority of cases have been detected in Ituri province, which is plagued by unrest from rival armed groups and frequent population movements that favor disease spread. More than 91% of all infections and more than 82% of all deaths have been registered in the provincial capital, Bunia. Efforts to contain the virus have been ratcheted up in Ituri, but healthcare facilities often operate with limited resources and lack basic equipment such as personal protective equipment and chlorine.
Healthcare Worker Infections and Community Mistrust
At least 78 health care workers have been infected with the virus, and 18 have died. Medical and aid workers also contend with deep mistrust from some local communities. Some families have demanded that hospitals hand over bodies of the deceased, not realizing that touching the body puts them at risk of contamination. The reluctance of some families to allow post-mortem examinations is leading to an underestimation of the number of cases, officials said.
