Ebola creates new hot spots in Congo as responders describe ‘chaotic’ response

The Ebola outbreak in Congo is intensifying, creating new hotspots with limited support for patients, according to health responders. As of now, over 4,000 people have died from the disease, which has claimed the lives of more than 8,500 individuals since May. The North Kivu province, a conflict-ridden area, has become the epicenter, accounting for nearly 40% of all new cases, up from 24% at the end of August.

Health workers say the response is "chaotic," with a lack of coordination and organization, and a shortage of personnel and resources. Only 23% of potential Ebola contacts have been traced out of the over 8,500 confirmed cases. Many treatment centers are overwhelmed, and some patients are turning to regular health facilities for care.

In some regions, families are hesitant to report deaths or allow sample collection due to superstitions and the fear of contracting the virus. The Africa CDC chief calls for a village-centered approach, involving local leaders in contact tracing, burials, and isolation, to curb the outbreak's spread.