Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has reached 1,003 confirmed cases, including 254 deaths. Recovery rate stands at 100 people, with over 365 patients still hospitalized or isolated. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is the worst on record within its first month.
Officials acknowledge potential for more undiagnosed cases and peak yet to come. Contact tracing remains a major challenge due to only 55% coverage rate in local authorities’ efforts.
Dr. Jean Kaseya of Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns lack of knowledge about the index case hampers control efforts. The patient zero has not been identified, nor have more than 35,000 contacts traced.
Eastern Congo’s ongoing violence from rebels further complicates response efforts. In Ituri province, attacks by ISIS-backed Allied Democratic Force force many to flee homes, including overcrowded camps and those constantly on the move.
At Kigonze displacement camp in Bunia, 10 people died last week under unusual circumstances, raising fears of a possible outbreak among over 20,000 displaced individuals. No Ebola cases have been confirmed at the site but an investigation is called for.
The U.N. refugee agency reports at least 2 million forcibly displaced people live in areas at risk of Ebola, expressing deep concern about accelerating spread and growing risks to communities across the region.