At least 282 confirmed cases of Ebola have emerged in Congo’s latest outbreak. The central African nation reported these figures as of late Sunday. Patients who have recovered expressed their immense relief to The Associated Press. The outbreak is concentrated in Congo’s eastern Ituri province where 264 of the cases were identified, according to the Ministry of Health. Congo has recorded over 1,000 suspected cases involving the Bundibugyo virus. This strain of Ebola currently lacks approved treatment or vaccine.
The health ministry outlined key challenges in managing the outbreak. These include early detection and rapid isolation, effective contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, and strengthening infection prevention in health facilities. The contact tracing coverage so far is 45%, with 220 suspected cases under investigation.
Several patients who have survived the disease shared their relief with The Associated Press. Baraka Bulambulu, a nurse, described his joy after testing negative twice for Ebola. He was among those who received recovery certificates from the World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who inaugurated a new Ebola treatment center in Bunia, Ituri’s capital.
“The first test was positive, but the second and third were negative for me,” Bulambulu said. “Coming out of this illness alive is an indescribable joy.”
Another nurse, Ezo Étienne, recounted his initial symptoms. He felt dizzy during hospital rounds and noticed low blood pressure before starting to vomit.
The World Health Organization confirmed that all five survivors are health workers, including four nurses and a laboratory worker. They are among those most affected by the outbreak. Current treatments mainly target symptoms, according to the organization.
“Your courage gives hope and your story shows this outbreak can be stopped,” said Tedros to the health workers.
In neighboring Uganda, nine Ebola cases have been reported. The Ugandan government has closed its border with Congo to control the virus’s spread. Despite more than 20 Ebola outbreaks in both countries, the Bundibugyo virus is infrequent. Challenges such as the absence of approved vaccines and treatments, remote locations, and armed conflict have complicated response efforts.
Dr. Dieudonne Mwamba Kazadi, director-general of Congo’s National Institute of Public Health, emphasized the significance of the recoveries. “It’s a victory worth celebrating. It sends a strong message that early care in dedicated health facilities can lead to recovery from Ebola.”