Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo – The Ebola outbreak in Congo has escalated, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in May 2026. The virus, which has been spreading undetected, particularly in the mining town of Mongbwalu and surrounding areas, poses a significant challenge to health authorities.
Understanding the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is generally considered less deadly than other strains but lacks an approved vaccine. Health workers at the Bunia General Hospital report that the treatment center, designed for 50 patients, is already at full capacity. Plans are underway to add 86 more beds to accommodate the growing number of cases.
John Katabuka, head of the hospital, explained, “Clinically, it moves through your body silently without you noticing it. We used to think Ebola meant bleeding and fever. But with this type, the symptoms only appear at the final stage, when you’re almost dying.” This new understanding of the virus complicates early detection and treatment, making awareness and education crucial.
Community challenges in combating Ebola
Health workers are facing significant resistance from the local population, where fear and mistrust about the disease persist. Tresor, a local man whose wife tested positive for Ebola, highlighted the need for education. He stated, “People need to be educated. They have to understand this virus is real.”
Moreover, Diedonne Mwamba, head of the National Institute of Public Health, mentioned that the situation is exacerbated by the presence of over 1.3 million displaced people due to ongoing conflicts. “To control the Ebola outbreak, we have to trace contacts. Some are in the camps, and sometimes we need to reach areas that are difficult to access,” he noted.
The role of health workers and burial practices
In Rwampara, a densely populated town, health workers from the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) report that at least one person dies from Ebola daily. Gabriel Tshiwisa, a local health worker, emphasized the importance of community cooperation: “The biggest challenge is helping the community understand the outbreak and what we’re doing here.”
The burial of Ebola victims is also a critical point in preventing further transmission. Red Cross volunteers, dressed in full protective gear, are often met with hostility when conducting safe burials. Richard Lifungula, a volunteer, shared, “When we get to the cemetery, sometimes we are met by hostile people — those who don’t understand this disease or the importance of our work.”
- Current Ebola treatment center capacity: 50 patients
- Additional beds under construction: 86
- Daily deaths reported: At least 1
- Displaced people in camps: Over 1.3 million
As the outbreak continues, the coordinated efforts of health authorities, international organizations, and local communities are vital to combat the spread of Ebola in Congo.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
