In Bunia, an orphanage took in a newborn after his mother succumbed to Ebola, with the nuns hopeful for his future. Sadly, he lived just two more weeks. Now, four of those nuns have contracted the virus themselves.
This situation reflects the tragedy at the heart of a current outbreak, where cases seem to double each week, as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“It’s really, really devastating,” remarks Dr. Babou Rukengeza, who is leading the Ebola response for Save the Children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Currently, all children and staff at the orphanage are under watch for any symptoms.
A month has passed since the most recent Ebola outbreak, triggered by the Bundibugyo virus, was first detected in the DRC. Recent figures from the UN indicate 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths, predominantly occurring in Ituri province.
Frontline workers are struggling with shortages, particularly of personal protective equipment and the means to transport deceased individuals. While testing has improved, it still needs to occur more swiftly and closer to those affected.
In Uganda, where 19 cases and two deaths have been confirmed, officials report that extensive contact tracing is helping to manage the outbreak.
Although the global risk remains low, 22 countries, including the US, have enacted travel restrictions for individuals coming from the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan, according to Africa CDC.
Critics argue these restrictions hinder health agencies’ ability to respond effectively. Experts emphasize that the DRC primarily needs flexible funding to regain control over the crisis.
On a more positive note, scientists are quickly working to develop vaccines against the Bundibugyo virus, and current research hints that existing antiviral treatments could be beneficial.
In Ituri, organizations involved in combating the outbreak are meeting daily to devise plans, and African leaders are set to convene virtually to discuss the situation on Tuesday.
However, a multitude of challenges persists: ongoing conflicts in heavily affected areas and rampant misinformation are deterring individuals from seeking necessary medical services. Reports of attacks on aid workers and treatment facilities complicate efforts further.
Gratien Iracan, Bunia’s local MP, shared on social media, “Despite millions pledged by the international community to support the Ebola response, these resources are not yet visibly impacting Ituri.”
He also noted a doctor who died from Ebola while criticizing the level of care provided in a hospital. Although unconfirmed, his messages highlighted the dire conditions faced by medical professionals.
Iracan recounted an incident where community members reported a suspected Ebola case, yet the expected support never materialized, leading to feelings of frustration and concern.
Africa CDC acknowledged that trust within communities is a critical hurdle—video footage from Bunia displays individuals doubting the virus’s existence, even blaming Red Cross workers for its spread.
In another WHO initiative, motorcycle taxi drivers communicated health messages about Ebola prevention last week in Bunia. There have been reported resistances to hygiene protocols and instances of mob violence in some areas.
A significant reason for this resistance seems rooted in people’s fears surrounding improper burial practices for relatives, which they believe could displease their faith.
According to a study conducted after the 2016 outbreak, unsafe funeral practices consistently resulted in additional secondary cases of Ebola.
Educating the community about the symptoms and risks through various mediums like radio, TV, and face-to-face interactions is now a crucial part of the ongoing efforts.
Rukengeza emphasizes, “We’re making an effort to collaborate with community leaders and others on the ground to raise awareness about the reality of the Ebola virus and its dangers.”
With around 600 confirmed cases in one region, health officials would typically expect to monitor roughly 24,000 contacts. As of Thursday, Dr. Jean Kaseya from Africa CDC noted only 4,955 contacts had been listed, with 57% currently being monitored.
This discrepancy signifies a considerable risk of continued transmission within the community. “We still have confirmed cases that aren’t in hospitals. They’re out there in the community,” Kaseya states.
A collaborative plan from Africa CDC and WHO estimates a requirement of $518 million over the next six months to manage the outbreak effectively. Kaseya expressed concern regarding some initial financial commitments that didn’t materialize but noted that about $212 million, including in-kind support, seems to be on the horizon.
Many of the infected individuals are healthcare workers; given that Ebola spreads through bodily fluids, those on the frontlines are among the most vulnerable.
Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, an epidemiologist, shared that during his visit to a treatment facility, he found 22 patients—five being healthcare professionals, including two doctors and an anesthetist.
Before the outbreak, Ituri was already grappling with humanitarian issues, with tens of thousands displaced from ongoing conflicts. WHO has reported over 520 security incidents impacting their personnel in the field so far.
This latest outbreak has quickly climbed the hierarchy of previous Ebola epidemics, becoming the third largest ever recorded. Projections from the US Centers for Disease Control indicate that it could escalate to levels comparable to the devastating 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa, which claimed over 11,000 lives.
“We hope we can prevent this from rising further,” Kaseya concludes, “and keep it from reaching the second or even first spot on that list.”
