Médecins Sans Frontières says the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is out of control. The province accounts for nearly 40% of newly confirmed cases nationwide.
Stephanie Hoffmann, coordinator at MSF’s Ebola treatment centre in Butembo, told Africanews that most new cases were linked to unknown transmission chains. The organisation says people are seeking help late, while some patients are being treated at general health facilities because specialised centres lack capacity.
MSF says the outbreak has spread from Butembo into neighbouring rural areas. Health facilities are under strain, and the organisation has called for expanded treatment capacity. Hoffmann said many deaths take place at home, outside treatment centres, increasing the risk of infection among relatives and others providing care.
The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus. The DRC had recorded 8,603 confirmed cases and 4,148 deaths by October 4, according to the country’s epidemiological surveillance report. The latest WHO bulletin available, dated September 23, reported earlier totals of 7,890 cases and 3,799 deaths.