Rising Ebola Deaths in Eastern Congo Spark New Fears

Residents in eastern DRC fear a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri province. The Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment. WHO declared a global health emergency after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths in Congo, plus two deaths in neighbouring Uganda. Most infections are reported around Bunia and Mongbwalu. Officials believe the virus spread after a mid-April funeral procession in Mongbwalu. The first suspected patient was a health worker from Bunia who died with fever, vomiting and bleeding. The Congolese government plans three treatment centres in Ituri and WHO teams have arrived with supplies. But ongoing violence and a strained health system make control efforts difficult. Scientists hope to begin vaccine trials soon.

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