NAIROBI
The Red Cross has warned that the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has not yet reached its peak and could continue for up to a year. An official from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said that it is still unclear how far the disease has spread, but the worst phase may still lie ahead.
Health data shows more than 800 suspected and confirmed cases of Ebola have been reported so far, with at least 192 deaths. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no proven vaccine or treatment is currently available. The disease is known to spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, and can remain contagious even after death, making control efforts more difficult in affected areas.
Officials said the virus is spreading across three provinces in eastern Congo, and the true scale of the outbreak is still not fully known more than a month after it was first declared. Response teams have faced serious challenges, including a lack of treatment centers and resistance from local communities to strict health and hygiene measures.
Red Cross workers involved in safe burials and community outreach have also reported threats, verbal abuse, and attacks in recent days, according to officials. Health responders stressed that building trust with communities is essential to controlling the outbreak, saying that cooperation is necessary for survival in such emergencies. Authorities and aid groups continue to expand efforts to contain the spread, but experts warn that the situation remains unstable and may take a long time to bring under control.
