The Ebola epidemic that has re-emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to claim lives. The number of confirmed Ebola-related deaths in the country has reached 101, and the number of cases is rising rapidly. Authorities state that the disruption of health teams’ work in areas where armed groups operate is complicating the fight against the epidemic.
“Elchi” reports that, according to the latest situation report published by the Congolese government, 35 new confirmed cases have been detected in the last 24 hours. Ten of these cases resulted in death. Thus, the total number of confirmed cases in the country has reached 550, and the death toll has reached 101.
Spread Undetected for Weeks
Authorities stated that the epidemic caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus was officially declared on May 15, but the virus went undetected for weeks. This situation left health authorities behind in the epidemic and made it difficult to prevent the spread of the virus. Experts state that the failure to detect Ebola in its early stages caused the disease to spread silently within the community, leading to a rapid increase in cases.
Conflicts Hinder Health Teams
The epidemic continues to affect the Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces, which have long suffered from security problems. It is reported that health workers have difficulty reaching some settlements due to armed groups operating in these regions.
In many villages and towns, contact tracing, patient isolation, and vaccination efforts are hampered by security risks, and it is reported that health facilities operate under the threat of attack from time to time.
Funeral Ceremonies Fuel the Epidemic
Officials note that traditional funeral ceremonies, in particular, play a significant role in the spread of the virus. Contact with the bodies of those who died from Ebola increases the risk of transmission.
Most recently, tension arose during the funeral of preacher Silvester Atama, who died of Ebola in the city of Mongbwalu, Ituri province. A crisis emerged between community members demanding a traditional funeral and health officials. It was reported that some people tried to go to the hospital to take the body, and security forces intervened as the situation escalated. After hours of negotiations, the funeral was held under supervision. High Mortality Rate
According to the World Health Organization, the Ebola virus is transmitted through contact with the blood and body fluids of infected persons. The disease can cause high fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal and external bleeding. The mortality rate can range from 25 percent to 90 percent, depending on the type of epidemic and the speed of intervention.
The deaths caused by the latest epidemic in Congo have increased concern among health authorities, while international organizations continue to support efforts to accelerate case detection, vaccination, and treatment in the region. Officials emphasize that resolving security issues, public cooperation with health teams, and taking necessary measures at traditional funeral ceremonies are essential to preventing the epidemic.
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