Health

Congo’s Ebola outbreak surpasses 10,000 cases amid challenges in containment

By Bastillepost

BUNIA, Congo – Congo’s Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that the Ebola outbreak, declared in May, has reached 10,060 confirmed cases, with nearly half of those infected dying. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, is the fastest‑growing and deadliest in the country’s history, and the fastest‑growing Ebola outbreak worldwide. It has spread to 66 health zones across eight provinces, up from three zones when first declared, and has reached three other African countries – Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda – as well as France, where no active cases are currently reported.

Health authorities are fighting armed conflict, poor roads, and mistrust and misinformation that hinder reporting of symptoms and acceptance of care. The outbreak has spread farther across Africa than any previous Ebola outbreak, and the number of cases and deaths has tripled the West Africa outbreak of 2014‑2016 in the same time span.

African health ministers will hold a virtual summit on Wednesday to strengthen the continent’s response. Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of Africa CDC, said, “Ebola is crossing borders. Our response must move faster, with stronger coordination, greater solidarity and decisive political leadership.”

At least 2,600 patients in Congo have recovered. A viral video showed health workers in full protective gear dancing as the last two patients were discharged from a treatment centre in Mongbwalu, Ituri province. World Health Organization Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said of the video, “The outbreak is far from over, but every life saved is worth celebrating.”

Responders report that treatment centres in many health zones are overwhelmed, people remain skeptical and violent toward them, and health workers regularly strike over delayed or unpaid wages. About 80 % of recorded cases come from outside monitored contacts, indicating ongoing transmission chains that authorities are unaware of. At least 95 % of cases should come from known contacts for the outbreak to be considered largely under control, Africa CDC has said.

Half of the deaths recorded are among people who were not admitted to treatment centres, showing that many do not report symptoms. Challenges include lack of vehicles, persuading families to release sick relatives or those who have died for safe burial, and ongoing strikes over unpaid bonuses. In Bafwasende, Tshopo province, a nurse was killed and another health worker was severely injured on Saturday while responding to an Ebola alert.

The outbreak has disrupted essential health services, diverted attention from other diseases such as cholera, increased maternal mortality as pregnant women avoid hospitals, and interrupted routine services including childhood vaccinations and schooling. The situation has also caused trauma, stigma and further strained livelihoods in already hard‑pressed communities.

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.