Kinshasa: Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing growing concern after suspected and confirmed Ebola cases were reported in rebel controlled parts of the country’s east, raising fears that the outbreak could become harder to contain.
Officials confirmed that a new Ebola infection linked to the ongoing outbreak was detected in South Kivu province, far from the original centre of infections in Ituri province. The patient, a 28 year old man, later died from the disease. Health workers carried out a controlled burial under strict safety measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
The latest development has alarmed international health agencies because some of the affected regions are under the control of armed rebel groups. Medical teams are struggling to reach communities in conflict zones where insecurity, poor transport and mistrust of authorities continue to slow emergency response efforts.
The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a less common version of the virus for which there is currently no approved vaccine. Scientists and global health agencies are now working urgently to test experimental vaccines and treatments while trying to stop the spread of infections.
The World Health Organization recently declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after cases began increasing rapidly in both Congo and neighbouring Uganda. WHO officials warned that the movement of people across borders, combined with violence in eastern Congo, creates a serious risk of regional spread.
Health authorities say more than 600 suspected Ebola cases and over 130 deaths have already been reported. However, experts believe the true number could be much higher because many people in remote villages are not being tested quickly enough. Some infected individuals are believed to have died before reaching hospitals or health centres.
Medical experts say the outbreak may have spread unnoticed for weeks because of testing delays and confusion during the early stages. Some laboratories reportedly used tests designed for a different Ebola strain, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed confirmation of infections. Poor roads and limited transport also slowed the movement of samples from remote areas to laboratories.
Traditional burial practices have added to the challenge. In several villages, mourners reportedly touched the bodies of victims during funeral ceremonies before officials confirmed Ebola infections. Health experts say such practices can quickly spread the virus because Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
The outbreak has also triggered fear and anger in some communities. Reports from eastern Congo said protesters attacked a hospital after refusing to believe that a relative had died from Ebola. Aid workers say misinformation and distrust remain major obstacles in controlling the disease.
Uganda has already confirmed Ebola cases connected to travellers arriving from Congo. Authorities there have intensified screening at border crossings and hospitals, while neighbouring countries are increasing health surveillance measures at airports and major transport routes.
International support for the response is beginning to grow. Britain has announced emergency funding to help medical teams and humanitarian agencies working in the affected areas. The United States is also supporting research into experimental treatments aimed at the Bundibugyo strain.
The growing outbreak has already begun affecting international events and travel plans. India and several African countries agreed to postpone a major summit scheduled for later this year because of concerns about the spread of Ebola across the region.
Health officials continue to urge people in affected communities to report symptoms early and avoid physical contact with infected individuals. They also stressed the importance of safe burial practices and cooperation with medical teams as efforts continue to prevent a wider health crisis in Central and East Africa.