Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised concerns about an alarming Ebola outbreak in North Kivu, a province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As of October 5, the region accounts for nearly 40% of new confirmed cases in the country, up from 24% at the end of August. This development has sparked fears of a worsening situation in the coming weeks.
The Ebola epidemic in DRC has resulted in 4,082 deaths out of 8,463 cases since the outbreak began in May. The virus, identified as the Bundibugyo strain, has spread to seven provinces, with Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uélé being the most affected. MSF's Ebola Treatment Center in Butembo is working to contain the outbreak, but the organization warns that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
According to Stéphanie Hoffmann, MSF's head of the Ebola Treatment Center in Butembo, the current situation is like "firefighters facing a massive fire with multiple, variable-intensity outbreaks, and distant from each other." The organization is urging for urgent mobilization to increase treatment capacity and ensure quality care in Butembo and across North Kivu.
MSF also highlights the limited capacity for patient care in the region. As of September 28, 34% of positive patients were being treated in non-specialized health structures due to a lack of beds in dedicated centers and delays in diagnosis. These structures often lack the necessary support for managing the disease, increasing the risk of transmission between patients and healthcare workers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously warned of an "exponential" increase in the virus in North Kivu, with a doubling of weekly deaths during the first half of September. The organization has been working to contain the outbreak, but the situation remains dire. DRC has now declared its 17th Ebola epidemic.
MSF is calling for increased support to address the crisis, including the deployment of more healthcare workers and the establishment of additional treatment centers. The organization emphasizes that it is impossible to control the outbreak as long as new foci continue to emerge and the virus spreads in northern North Kivu.
The situation in North Kivu is being closely monitored by health authorities and international organizations. Africa CDC has also expressed concerns about the outbreak, stating that it is "not under control." The international community is being urged to provide support to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.
Key points
- MSF warns of an alarming Ebola outbreak in North Kivu, DRC, with nearly 40% of new confirmed cases reported in the region.
- The Ebola epidemic in DRC has resulted in 4,082 deaths out of 8,463 cases since the outbreak began in May.
- MSF is calling for urgent mobilization to increase treatment capacity and ensure quality care in Butembo and across North Kivu.
