Médecins Sans Frontieres, a medical NGO, has warned of an alarming surge in Ebola cases in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo. The organisation stated that the north-eastern region now accounts for nearly 40 per cent of all newly confirmed incidents nationwide. This development has raised concerns about the spread of the disease, with the NGO describing the situation as "out of control".
According to Stephanie Hoffmann, coordinator at the MSF Ebola Treatment Centre in Butembo, most new cases are coming from unknown chains of transmission. This has made it challenging for health officials to track and contain the spread of the disease. Hoffmann emphasised that 75 per cent of all deaths stemming from Ebola are community deaths, meaning people who are never seen in treatment centres or transit centres.
The high number of community deaths is attributed to fear and lack of community engagement, with people hesitant to admit they might have the disease and seek help. Hoffmann noted that people dying at home are being taken care of by their family and friends, which represents a significant opportunity for increased transmission. The NGO is working to raise awareness and encourage people to seek medical help.
Despite efforts to raise awareness, there have been challenges, including the killing of a politician in Butembo who appeared on a local radio show to promote Ebola prevention measures. The incident highlights the fear and misconceptions surrounding the disease. The epidemic, which began in Butembo town, has now spread to neighbouring health zones, with all of them reporting confirmed cases.
The spread of Ebola has put a strain on ordinary health centres, with many people preferring to seek treatment there due to fear surrounding Ebola treatment facilities. The ongoing outbreak, which began in Ituri province, has quickly become the most deadly in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The disease is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus.
Médecins Sans Frontieres is calling for an urgent increase in treatment capacity, as facilities in North Kivu are stretched beyond their limits, putting both patients and communities at greater risk. The organisation is working to increase treatment capacity and improve community engagement to combat the spread of the disease.
The situation in North Kivu province remains critical, with new hotspots emerging every week. The NGO's warnings highlight the need for immediate action to contain the spread of Ebola and prevent further deaths. The international community is urged to provide support to combat the outbreak and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the country.
Key points
- Médecins Sans Frontieres warns of out-of-control Ebola spread in North Kivu province, DR Congo.
- 75 per cent of Ebola deaths in North Kivu are community deaths, increasing transmission risk.
- The organisation calls for urgent increase in treatment capacity to combat the spread of the disease.
