9,800 Cases: DRC Ebola Outbreak Deadliest in History as Nurse Killed in Attack
Health workers face violence and community distrust as the Bundibugyo strain spreads to four African nations.
By Fatima Davis ·
More than 9,800 people have contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since May, according to the Ministry of Health. The total includes over 4,700 deaths, making this the deadliest outbreak in the country's history.
On Saturday, attackers killed a nurse and severely injured a health worker in Bafwasende, located in the eastern Tshopo province. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the incident in a post on X on Sunday. He stated that everyone working to protect communities must be able to work in dignity and safety.
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks that authorities say are hampering response efforts. The outbreak is currently the fastest-growing in the world. Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, the WHO regional director for Africa, also condemned the violence on X. He noted that misinformation and fear must never fuel violence against those responding to the crisis.
Local communities have expressed widespread distrust regarding the government's handling of the disease. Some residents dismiss Ebola as a hoax. This skepticism has complicated efforts in remote areas and emerging hotspots that already face shortages of medical supplies and healthcare workers. In September, a politician was beaten to death in North Kivu after defending the government's response on a radio show.
The outbreak has expanded geographically to four countries across eastern, central, and western Africa. On Sunday, Uganda's Minister of Health Chris Baryomunsi announced that all citizens returning from the DRC will be quarantined for 21 days. Uganda declared itself Ebola-free in July, but two people who had recently passed through the country later tested positive in Kenya and Nigeria.
The strain responsible for the current outbreak is known as Bundibugyo. It has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear. In an update on October 23, the WHO urged stronger cross-border monitoring and cooperation. The organization advised against restricting travel or trade with affected countries.
Source: Al Jazeera
