Congo's fast-moving Ebola outbreak spreads to eighth province

The Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached its eighth province, officials announced on Sunday as the disease's rapid spread continues to outpace response efforts. The Health Ministry confirmed two cases, resulting in one death, in Nord-Ubangi province, located along the border with the Central African Republic. Both patients were young men in their twenties residing in the Wapinda health zone, which shares a border with Bas-Uele province, where previous Ebola cases were documented.

As of mid-May, the outbreak has claimed over 4,500 lives and infected at least 9,400 individuals, making it the deadliest Ebola outbreak in Congo's history. The virus has crossed borders, reaching Uganda, which has since declared itself Ebola-free, and Kenya, which reported its seventh case on Saturday. The Central African Republic has yet to report any confirmed cases.

According to the World Health Organization's Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, pockets of Ebola are generally declining, but geographically, the disease is spreading. One of the main challenges has been persuading infected individuals to seek medical help, as some deaths occur outside health centers. In response, health workers in the Wamba health zone have introduced regular home visits due to people's fear of hospitals.

Nord-Ubangi is situated between Sud-Ubangi and Bas-Uele, the latter two provinces the virus has spread to along the border with the Central African Republic, an area plagued by recurring armed conflict that has forced thousands to flee and seek refuge in Congolese border communities. Access to the region is hindered by poor road infrastructure and limited communication networks.

Ituri province, in eastern Congo, remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for nearly three-quarters of confirmed cases. The government reports that 66 health zones have been affected since the outbreak began.

Congo's state-news agency, ACP, reported on Sunday that authorities in North Kivu province, where substantial transmission continues according to the WHO, will implement a one-week ban starting Monday on people entering the province from Ituri in an attempt to curb the virus's spread. Additional measures include prohibiting more than two people from riding on a motorcycle or four people in a car, as well as suspending large public gatherings such as sports events, nightclubs, and political demonstrations.

The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists, is exacerbated by mass population movements, rebel violence, mistrust, and poor working conditions of frontline workers. Health workers in the Wamba health zone initially faced resistance from local residents but have since seen increased cooperation and reporting of positive cases.

Most of the reported cases in the health zone are around mining areas, where the population is constantly on the move, leading to a high number of deaths in these regions.