DRC’s Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country’s history
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country’s history, surpassing all previous episodes, according to AOL.co.uk.
The DRC, formerly known as Zaire, has recorded more Ebola outbreaks than any other nation since the disease was first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in the country’s north. The virus, which causes severe fever, internal bleeding and organ failure, has reappeared on multiple occasions, with each episode presenting a major test for public health authorities.
The current outbreak has unfolded against a backdrop of deep humanitarian challenges. Large parts of eastern DRC, where several outbreaks have been concentrated, have been affected by armed conflict and the displacement of civilian populations. Health workers responding to previous epidemics have at times been attacked, and community mistrust of medical teams has complicated containment efforts in some areas.
DRC’s health ministry, working with the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières and other international partners, has rolled out the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine during recent outbreaks, a tool that did not exist when the virus was first discovered. Ring vaccination, which inoculates the contacts of confirmed cases and the contacts of those contacts, has helped limit the spread of previous flare-ups.
Despite the experience gained over decades, responding to Ebola in the DRC remains difficult. The country has limited health infrastructure in many affected regions, and the stigma surrounding the disease can deter families from seeking treatment. International health bodies continue to stress the importance of early detection, safe burials and community engagement to bring outbreaks under control.
Sources
This report was written from coverage published by the following news organisations. Follow the links for the original reporting.
- AOL.co.uk — Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo now deadliest in country’s history
- trtworld.com — DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country's history
- Arab News — Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country’s history
- V2 Radio — Ebola outbreak in DR Congo now deadliest in country's history
