The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported its first Ebola outbreak in three years, with 20 confirmed cases and 16 deaths so far.
The outbreak is centred in Kasai province, specifically the Bulape zone, now under lockdown with checkpoints in place. Locals are worried.
“The problem is that we’re afraid that the movement of people from Bulape could lead to contamination in other communities,” said Mweka territory administrator Francois Mingambengele, adding, “Some are going into the bush to hide.”
The World Health Organization is stepping in, sending treatments and 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine to help protect health workers and close contacts.
