Kinshasa: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed 930 lives, with health officials warning that attacks on medical workers and treatment centres are severely hampering efforts to contain the rapidly spreading disease.
The country’s health ministry said the death toll had risen to 930 out of 2,344 confirmed and probable cases recorded as of July 18. Officials also reported 37 new deaths over the previous 24 hours, marking one of the highest daily increases since the outbreak began.
The outbreak was declared in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on May 15 and has since become the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic on record. Health authorities continue to face major challenges in tracing infections, treating patients and preventing further transmission, particularly in conflict-affected communities.
The situation has been made worse by growing insecurity in Ituri province, the region hardest hit by the outbreak. According to officials, at least 12 attacks have targeted health facilities and medical teams since the outbreak was declared. The violence has disrupted treatment services, delayed vaccination and surveillance efforts, and limited access to some of the worst-affected areas.
Unlike some previous Ebola outbreaks, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus responsible for the latest epidemic. Health experts say this has made containment efforts even more difficult, placing greater importance on early detection, patient isolation, contact tracing and community awareness.
Authorities and international health organisations have urged communities to cooperate with medical teams despite the security challenges. Officials warned that continued attacks on healthcare workers could further undermine efforts to control the outbreak and increase the risk of additional infections and deaths in the coming weeks.
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