The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) announced on Tuesday (the 9th) that the number of confirmed Ebola cases has risen to nearly 600, reinforcing warnings to the public about the importance of adhering to preventive measures.
The outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus was declared on May 15. However, health authorities later stated that the disease went unnoticed for several weeks, leaving health services at a disadvantage and struggling to control its spread.
One of the largest Ebola outbreaks ever recorded in the world is currently unfolding in three provinces that have been affected by armed conflict for years: Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
In the most recent update posted on social media platform X, the Congolese government reported that the number of confirmed cases has risen to 598, including 115 deaths.
Authorities added that 22 patients have recovered from the disease and that the new cases have not spread to additional health zones. The cases were reported in 17 health zones in Ituri province, as well as in seven health zones in North Kivu and one health zone in South Kivu.
“If you have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or severe weakness, you should go immediately to the nearest health center,” the statement says, which also urges the public to follow the guidance of health professionals and avoid attacks against them.
Mistrust and resistance from communities have hampered the response to the outbreak, with reports of attacks on teams responsible for safe burials and on treatment centers.
According to more than a dozen doctors, humanitarian workers, and public health officials, professionals are still facing difficulties in obtaining basic protective equipment, which is essential to ensure their safety and prevent the spread of the disease.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) called on Tuesday for increased funding to contain the outbreak in Ituri province before it spreads further.
Source: Reuters
