DR Congo reports new Ebola cases

Bernard Balibuno - Twitter

CAFOD has expressed concern about an outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The country's health services reported five new cases in the northeastern Beni region, and is seeking to contain the spread through treatment and contact tracing. Three people have already died in this most recent outbreak. Ebola causes fever, blood clots, and internal bleeding and has a fatality rate of around 50 percent.

Catholic agencies on the ground are working to dispel myths about vaccines and treatments, as well as teaching people about vital hygiene.

In a press release on Thursday, CAFOD said the Ebola outbreak could be difficult to contain, as Covid-19 continues to spread and some medical staff in DR Congo are on strike.

Bernard Balibuno, CAFOD's representative in DR Congo said: "Coronavirus is still spreading and a new Ebola outbreak would push many communities to breaking point. .. During the last major outbreak from 2018-2020. CAFOD brought together faith organisations to help dispel myths through radio programmes, local theatre and by going door to door to convince people to get vaccinated."

Mr Balibuno said the community outreach approach is still the best response to the new Ebola outbreak.

DR Congo's Beni region continues to suffer from a host of humanitarian crises, including more than two decades of conflict.

"Thousands have been forced to flee their homes and are already at increased risk of hunger and disease," said Mr Balibuno.

He added that women and children have had the worst of it. "Their everyday lives are worlds apart from those we are able to enjoy."

The Ebola virus was first discovered in DR Congo in 1976, and experts believe it infects humans through contact with infected animals, most often bats, chimpanzees, and forest antelope. Humans can then spread it via bodily fluids.

There is no known cure for Ebola. Only an experimental vaccine is currently available. Treatment typically includes keeping a patient hydrated, and early diagnosis is crucial to survival.