Ebola outbreak escalates as suspected cases escape after treatment centre attack
18 suspected Ebola cases 'unaccounted for' after tent at treatment centre 'set on fire'
Image: Express
In Mongbwalu, eastern Congo, a tent at an Ebola treatment centre was set ablaze, leading to the escape of 18 suspected Ebola patients. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence against health facilities amid a rising Ebola outbreak, which has now been classified as posing a 'very high' risk by the World Health Organization.
- 01The attack on the treatment centre marks the second incident in a week, following a similar attack in Rwampara.
- 02Dr. Richard Lokudi, director of the Mongbwalu hospital, condemned the act, emphasizing the panic it caused among staff.
- 03The World Health Organization has confirmed 82 cases and 7 deaths from the outbreak, but estimates suggest the outbreak may be much larger.
- 04750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have been reported, with concerns that the number will rise as surveillance increases.
- 05The Bundibugyo virus, a rare type of Ebola, currently has no available vaccine.
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A tent at an Ebola treatment centre in Mongbwalu, eastern Congo, was set on fire, resulting in the escape of 18 suspected Ebola patients. This incident occurred on Friday night and marks the second attack on health facilities in the region within a week. Dr. Richard Lokudi, the director of the local hospital, condemned the attack, which caused panic among staff and jeopardized containment efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the risk level of the outbreak to 'very high', with 82 confirmed cases and 7 deaths reported so far. However, the WHO suggests the actual number of cases is likely much higher, with 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths documented. The Bundibugyo virus, a rare variant of Ebola, is currently spreading in the Ituri province, and there is no vaccine available for this strain. The situation is exacerbated by community resistance, as seen in a previous attack where a treatment centre was burned after family members were denied access to a deceased relative's body, which poses a risk of further spread of the virus.
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The escape of suspected Ebola patients poses a significant risk to public health and safety in the community, potentially leading to further spread of the virus.
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