DR Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak spreads to eighth province

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has expanded to a new province, Nord-Ubangi, located along the border with Central African Republic. This development marks the virus's presence in the eighth province since the outbreak began in mid-May. As of now, the Health Ministry has reported two cases, with one fatality, both in men in their 20s residing in the Wapinda health zone. This zone shares a border with Bas-Uele, a region previously affected by Ebola cases.

The outbreak, declared in mid-May, has recorded a staggering 9,400 cases, resulting in over 4,500 deaths, making it the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country's history. The rapid spread of the disease has even led to cases in neighboring countries, such as Uganda, which has since declared itself Ebola-free, and Kenya, which reported its seventh case on Saturday. The epicenter of the outbreak remains Ituri province in eastern Congo, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of the confirmed cases.

The World Health Organization's Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, expressed concerns during an interview in Beni, eastern Congo, stating that while pockets of the disease are decreasing in some areas, the outbreak is expanding geographically. One of the major challenges, Janabi noted, is getting infected individuals to seek medical assistance, as some deaths occur in the community outside health centers.

Nord-Ubangi province lies between Sud-Ubangi and Bas-Uele provinces, the latter two along the border with Central African Republic, where recurring armed conflicts have led to thousands of people fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in Congolese border communities. Access in this region is fraught with difficulties due to poor road conditions and limited communication networks. The outbreak is fueled by mass population movements, rebel violence, mistrust, and poor working conditions of healthcare workers.