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Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Bulape health zone is straining the country’s already limited resources, with over 20 confirmed cases and around 15 deaths, including several health workers.
“At this stage, the Ebola outbreak remains localised in a specific health zone, Bulape, with over 20 confirmed cases and, tragically, around 15 deaths, including several health workers,” said Dr Hilde De Clerck, an infectious diseases specialist with MSF in the DRC.
She noted that fatalities in the early days, before emergency teams arrived, had fuelled fear among the community, with some residents fleeing health facilities.
Authorities are working to prevent the outbreak from spreading to other areas after unconfirmed alerts were received.
“While continued vigilance is essential, there is currently no indication that this outbreak is more severe than recent ones, such as the most recent outbreak in Equateur province, which was brought under control in three months,” De Clerck added.
The greatest challenge facing responders is access. Bulape is hundreds of kilometres from the provincial capital, with poor roads, no cargo airport and limited electricity.
She added that medical teams were struggling to secure treatments. “One of the problems we risk facing in Bulape is the lack of available treatment. Congolese authorities currently have a small supply of treatment and have managed, despite all constraints, to provide specific treatment to some patients. But these treatments will run out without additional shipments.”
Protecting frontline workers is another priority after several health workers died in the early stages. Since the arrival of the Ministry of Health, MSF and the World Health Organisation (WHO), staff have been provided with protective gear, and a temporary treatment centre has been established.
“Some local staff remain fearful of approaching patients, which is entirely understandable given the trauma of the early days. We’re actively working with them to rebuild trust and provide the training and psychological support needed to ensure their safety and confidence.”
She stressed that international support is vital to contain the outbreak and ensure patients continue to receive life-saving care.
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