82 people died due to Ebola in Congo; Virus spreads to Uganda, will it wreak havoc in Africa?

Ebola Outbreak Congo Deaths News: The African continent is once again in the grip of a severe outbreak of the Ebola virus. Ebola infection cases are increasing at a lightning speed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has raised the concern of global health organizations.

According to the data, the total number of patients infected with Ebola in Congo has now reached 452, of which 82 people have lost their lives. Health experts believe the outbreak is caused by ‘Bundibugyo’ The strain is spreading, indicating rapid community transmission.

Increasing figures of infection

According to the report released by the Congolese Health Ministry, on June 4, the situation of infection was seen to be the most dire in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. In just one day, 71 new cases were confirmed, out of which 21 deaths were reported.

Currently, around 258 patients are under strict observation in various hospitals or isolation centres, while only eight people have fully recovered so far. The biggest concern for officials are the 2,011 people who were supposed to be kept under observation but have not been able to be reached yet.

Huge reduction in contact tracing

Congo is facing challenges on many fronts in this war against Ebola. According to the report, a huge reduction in contact tracing has been observed. A total of 4,766 people were targeted for monitoring, but only 57.8 percent people have been followed up. Furthermore, there is a severe shortage of medical facilities at the local level.

Health officials said resistance to taking swabs during autopsies, shortages of medicines, and lack of protective equipment (PPE) in North Kivu have worsened the situation. There is currently an immediate need for funding of US$21.5 million to deal with this crisis.

Knocked in neighboring country Uganda also

The threat of Ebola is no longer limited to Congo only. Uganda’s Health Ministry confirmed on Friday that three new cases of Ebola have been reported there, bringing the total number of infected people in the country to 19. In view of this expansion of infection, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have prepared a comprehensive ‘response plan’ for the entire continent. Have prepared. Under this scheme, a target has been set to raise US $ 518 million to help various African countries between June and November.

Danger looming on health workers

Health workers on the front lines of Ebola are at greatest risk. So far, a total of 34 health workers have been infected with the virus, out of which seven have died.

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Weak health infrastructure coupled with high mobility, insecurity, displacement and widespread misinformation and mistrust in communities have made the fight even more difficult. Experts say that unless accurate medical measures and public support are available for the Bundibugyo strain, it will be challenging to control this epidemic.