The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported a rise in Ebola cases, with the total now reaching 904. The number of suspected deaths linked to the outbreak has risen to 119, according to the DRC’s Ministry of Communications.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the current outbreak as a “very high” threat to public health in the DRC, although it assessed the risk of global spread as low. The epidemic has been declared a public health emergency of international concern.
Recent reports indicate that two Ebola treatment centers were attacked last week, reflecting rising tensions in the region. Local dissatisfaction has been attributed to strict burial protocols for Ebola victims, which are enforced to prevent transmission during traditional ceremonies where families prepare bodies and conduct large farewells.
In northeastern Congo, gatherings of more than 50 people and wakes have been prohibited, with military and police forces overseeing some burials conducted by humanitarian workers.
Organizations operating in the region have reported shortages of protective equipment, testing kits, suits, and materials necessary for safe burials.
Earlier, the WHO declared the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus a public health emergency of international significance. The decision was made in response to cross-border transmission of the virus, the emergence of new clusters of cases with unclear transmission chains, and significant uncertainty regarding the actual scale of the epidemic.
As of May 19, at least 100 fatalities had been attributed to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, with over 390 reported infections.
The U.S. Department of State announced the initiation of a support program aimed at combating the Ebola outbreak, which includes funding for the establishment of up to 50 treatment clinics in affected regions of the DRC and Uganda.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has intensified, with reported cases increasing to 904 and suspected deaths at 119. The WHO has declared a health emergency, while local tensions rise due to strict burial protocols and resource shortages.