Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo — The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in Bunia, a city in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This declaration comes as the virus has been spreading undetected for weeks, affecting the mining town of Mongbwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia before spreading to neighboring provinces. Upon arrival in Bunia, it’s evident that these are not normal times.
Mandatory health checks at the airport, billboards with Ebola prevention messages, and public health programs on the radio are part of the daily life here.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which, while generally considered less deadly than some other strains, has no approved vaccine, making early detection critical.
The Ebola treatment centre at Bunia General Hospital, built to accommodate 50 patients, is already full, with construction underway to add another 86 beds. John Katabuka, the hospital head, explains that this strain presents differently from previous outbreaks, with symptoms appearing only at the final stage when the patient is almost dying. Tresor, whose wife recently tested positive for Ebola, stresses the need for education and understanding of the virus. “.
People need to be educated. They have to understand this virus is real, “he says.
The Congolese government, along with partners such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the United Nations, is leading the response. Diedonne Mwamba, head of the National Institute of Public Health, acknowledges the challenges of dealing with both a health emergency and the aftermath of years of conflict, which has led to over 1. 3 million people living in displacement camps.
In Rwampara, a densely populated town where many residents are cattle farmers, the local health centre serves as an Ebola treatment facility. Fear, mistrust, and rumours are complicating efforts to contain the outbreak, with some still not believing the disease exists or claiming it was brought by outsiders. Several treatment centres and health workers have come under attack, and the burial process for those who die from Ebola is both intimidating and emotional.
Richard Lifungula, a Red Cross volunteer, has buried more than two dozen people since the outbreak began and faces hostility from those who don’t understand the disease or the importance of their work.
As the DRC grapples with this Ebola outbreak, the world watches closely, hoping for a swift and effective response that can prevent the further spread of the virus and save lives.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: Catherine Wambua -Soi
