health
Number of suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo passes 900 as health workers face attacks and shortages
World Health Organization says outbreak poses ‘very high’ risk for Congo, but risk of disease spreading globally remains low
TL;DR
- Suspected Ebola cases in eastern DR Congo have reached 904, with 119 suspected deaths.
- The World Health Organization deems the outbreak a 'very high' risk for the DRC, but a low global risk.
- Health authorities are struggling due to violence from armed rebel groups, displacement, government failure, and international aid cuts.
- Arson attacks on Ebola treatment centers highlight local anger and mistrust, partly fueled by strict burial protocols.
- The region has a history of insecurity, with dozens of rebel groups operating, some linked to foreign countries or the Islamic State group.
- Aid groups report critical shortages of protective equipment, testing kits, and materials for safe burials.
- The specific Ebola virus strain involved has no approved vaccine or treatment.