DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Declared Emergency

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is grappling with its 17th Ebola outbreak, primarily in Democratic Republic of the Congo — Ituri Province, which the World Health Organization has declared an international emergency. Over 220 suspected deaths and 900 suspected cases have been identified since May 14. The less common Bundibugyo strain, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments, is responsible for the current outbreak. The health response is hampered by a lack of resources, absence of state services in conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of the Congo — Ituri Province, and community distrust, as evidenced by the burning of isolation tents set up by ALIMA. The Democratic Republic of the Congo government has banned flights to Democratic Republic of the Congo — Bunia, the regional capital, to control the spread, further complicating aid delivery. Healthcare workers are struggling to trace patients who returned to the community after the isolation center fire, highlighting the challenges in containing the epidemic amidst conflict and fragmented authority.