Congo: Ebola cases are rising at record pace
The Ebola virus is spreading rapidly in the DRC. In Kinshasa, a city of millions, fears of a serious health crisis are growing. Hospitals are scrambling to prepare for emergencies as best as they can.
An Ebola epidemic has spread to a sixth province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, raising concerns it could reach the capital Kinshasa. The disease, driven by an unknown strain, has claimed 2,000 lives and infected over 4,300 people since May 15. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts the outbreak will peak in six months.
Health authorities have set up isolation facilities and are prepared to contain the virus. However, the rapid spread is attributed to population movements and ongoing violence. Concerns remain about the lack of resources, with the WHO calling for more beds to handle a worst-case scenario. The current capacity is 20 beds, but the hospital can expand to 200 or 250 beds. Authorities and experts urge swift action to prevent a potential outbreak in Kinshasa.
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