Key facts
- Ebola outbreak declared in DRC and Uganda on May 15, with the virus thought to have circulated for weeks prior.
- The epidemic, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has resulted in 136 deaths from 676 confirmed cases in the DRC as of June 10.
- Businesses in Bunia are suffering significant economic losses due to fear of transmission and restricted movement.
- Healthcare workers face critical shortages of protective equipment, with supplies expected to run out soon.
- Disinformation and rumors that the outbreak is fake are hindering containment efforts and causing delays in treatment.
An Ebola epidemic is severely impacting the city of Bunia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, causing widespread fear, economic disruption, and loss of life. Public-facing workers, including school principals, business owners, taxi drivers, and travel agents, are experiencing direct financial losses and increased personal risk.
Schools are implementing strict hygiene measures, but the principal of Nelson Mandela school, Justin Keno, expressed concern about children coming from affected neighborhoods. Businesses like Sylvie Guilaine's used-clothes shop have closed due to the high-contact nature of the trade, forcing her to seek work as a bricklayer's assistant. Motorcycle taxi rider Yvess Buakya has seen his earnings plummet as passengers refuse to share rides or opt to walk instead. Airline travel agent Richard Ngongo reports empty cash registers due to blocked flights.
Healthcare workers are racing to contain the virus, which has caused 136 deaths from 676 confirmed cases in the DRC as of June 10. The outbreak has spread to three new health zones. The Bundibugyo virus, responsible for the epidemic, lacks a vaccine or approved treatment. Responders are facing critical shortages of basic protective equipment, with the International Rescue Committee warning supplies could run out within days due to border closures and insecurity. Africa CDC reported that only a quarter of necessary supplies have arrived.
Thirty-four healthcare workers have been infected, and seven have died. Doctors like Yazid Yassine at Elikya hospital report full isolation wards, while Dr. Charles Kachindi at CME Nyankunde hospital notes significant delays in test results and a grim situation with 10 confirmed cases and 15 deaths. Despite government efforts, disinformation is rampant, with some residents believing the outbreak is fake or a ploy for funding, leading to delayed treatment and visits to traditional healers.