Ebola Worries Resurface in Bunia, DR Congo

Every morning, Justin Keno, the principal of the Nelson Mandela school, watches over 400 students enter through the school’s gates, and he can’t shake the thought: which of them could be carrying Ebola? Concerned for their safety, he has taken multiple precautions, such as setting up hand-washing stations at the entrance, supplying hand sanitizers for parents, and urging students to bring packed lunches instead of utilizing the cafeteria. He’s even banned outside food vendors from loitering near the school.

Yet, he realizes there’s only so much he can control. “Kids come from all over,” he notes from his office in Bunia, “including areas that have been declared epicenters. We don’t know where every child has been. If one carries the virus, it can spread quickly among many.”

It’s been nearly six years since the last Ebola outbreak was declared over in Ituri, but recently, the residents of Bunia have found themselves facing similar fears as yet another epidemic unfolds. On May 15, both the health ministries of the DRC and neighboring Uganda reported outbreaks of Ebola, although it’s believed the virus was spreading undetected for some time before that announcement.

The World Health Organization has classified this outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern—the cause being the less common Bundibugyo virus, which currently has no vaccine or treatment available.

As of June 10, the DRC health report indicated 136 deaths from 676 confirmed cases. In Uganda, there were two fatalities from 19 confirmed cases as of June 6. The outbreak has also expanded to three new health zones in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

The previous Ebola outbreak in Ituri ran from July 2018 to June 2020 and resulted in over 3,470 cases and 2,287 deaths, making it the largest in Congo’s history, and the second-largest globally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has suggested that the current outbreak could potentially affect more people than the record outbreak in West Africa between 2014 and 2016, which saw over 28,000 infections and more than 11,000 deaths.

First identified in 1976 in what is now the DRC, Ebola is a highly contagious and often deadly virus affecting both humans and some primates. It spreads through body fluids or contaminated items, leading to severe organ failure and bleeding.

The Economic Impact of Ebola

Residents of Bunia are beginning to feel the economic repercussions of the virus. Sylvie Guilaine, who previously ran a secondhand clothing business, had to shut it down as customers were unwilling to touch clothes, fearing contamination. “People would touch a shirt, try it on, and then discard it, which raises the risk,” she explained. Now, she’s helping a bricklayer and takes extensive precautions with her clothing before returning home, often delaying her interaction with her children.

Another local, Yves Buakya, a motorcycle taxi driver, is experiencing a stark decline in customers. Passengers used to share rides, but now many refuse, opting to walk instead. “I have to wait for hours for fares,” he lamented. Buakya believes the threat is real but also suspects that some entities might be exploiting the situation for profit. He tries to stay vigilant and advises others to follow safety measures, even if they suspect the outbreak might be politically charged.

Meanwhile, Richard Ngongo, an airline agent, expresses concern over how the outbreak is impacting travel. “Flights have been canceled, and my business is suffering. We were expecting tourists for the high season, but now there’s nothing.” He has implemented safety measures in his office but urges for a greater informational campaign throughout the community.

Georgette Kalume, who operates a secondhand clothing shop, voiced frustration at the lack of outreach from health authorities. “I haven’t seen anyone from the government or NGOs come to inform us about Ebola,” she said.

As the crisis deepens, healthcare workers in eastern DRC face a severe lack of essential supplies to adequately protect themselves against the virus, largely attributed to cuts in aid and logistical challenges. The International Rescue Committee recently warned of impending shortages of basic protective gear due to border closures affecting supply routes and a general sense of insecurity.

As of June 4, only 25% of the necessary medical supplies for the next three months had arrived in both the DRC and Uganda, with reports of 34 healthcare workers having contracted the virus, and seven succumbing to it.

Disinformation and Its Consequences

At Elikya hospital, Dr. Yazid Yassine reports a full isolation ward, having expanded from six to more than 18 beds. Despite the challenges, he remains steadfast, motivated by the duty he feels. “A soldier does not fear the battlefield,” he surmised. “It’s better to die there than at home.”

At ISIG University, academic secretary Maki Mugeni Sagesse has managed to keep his campus infection-free by implementing chlorinated basins and holding awareness sessions before classes. Tragically, he’s lost five close people to the virus in just the past month.

He acknowledges the government’s steps toward establishing treatment centers and raising awareness but insists that more grassroots efforts are required to reach ordinary people. “Use local languages, go door to door, and engage local leaders,” he advised.

Dr. Charles Kachindi from CME Nyankunde hospital describes a dire situation at his facility, reporting 10 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities. However, he cautions that testing is hindered by delayed results, which can take up to three days. While he appreciates governmental initiatives, he warns, “We’re not yet at a plateau.”

Despite the pressing danger, some locals in Bunia seem skeptical of the outbreak’s authenticity, misinformed by rampant rumors that Ebola might be a fabrication of health officials seeking funding. Dr. Yassine notes that misinformation has led many to delay seeking medical help, often turning to traditional healers instead. He faces hostility, noting that community members can be suspicious of any signs of wealth as being tied to the outbreak.

Yassine has even received threats. “Someone told me that because a relative died under my care, they will make sure I pay for it one day.” For airline operator Ngongo, the situation is crystal clear. “Do you really think healthcare professionals would risk their lives for a lie?” he challenged.