How Ebola became the deadliest outbreak in DR Congo’s history
When three members of his hospital team died within days of treating the same patient, Dr Richard Lokudu suspected Ebola had been spreading before authorities detected the outbreak. The patient had arrived at Mongbwalu General Hospital in Ituri Province for surgery in early April, weeks before the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) officially declared […]
In Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a highly lethal Ebola outbreak has emerged as the deadliest in the country's history. The epidemic, caused by the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a rare strain of Ebola, has claimed over 2,300 lives and infected more than 4,900 individuals since authorities officially declared it on May 15.
Dr Richard Lokudu, a doctor at Mongbwalu General Hospital, noted that patients began arriving for surgery weeks prior to the official declaration of the outbreak, raising suspicions of the virus's presence. Despite the presence of laboratories and ongoing efforts from health workers, the challenges posed by armed conflict, population movement, and delayed case identification have hindered efforts to contain the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the outbreak's expansion to other provinces and ongoing insecurity have complicated containment measures. Health officials emphasize that community trust and engagement are crucial in overcoming these barriers.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
