Congo faces deadly Ebola epidemic: cities under quarantine, number of victims rising

The Congolese government has reported the first case of Ebola in three years, this time in Kasai province, where the disease last occurred in 2008.

Local authorities immediately took strict measures. The Bulape area, where the first patient appeared, was sealed off and several checkpoints were set up to restrict the movement of residents.

According to the local administrator, there is a risk that migration from Bulape could spread the virus to other communities, with some residents already hiding in the forests.

The number of cases is changing rapidly – according to the latest figures, there are 32 suspected cases, 20 of which have been confirmed, and 16 deaths.

The World Health Organization has promised to deliver 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine and other medicines for local medical staff.

However, humanitarian organizations warn that the country may have problems coping with the epidemic due to a lack of financial resources following the restriction of foreign aid and the dissolution of the US agency USAID under Donald Trump's leadership.

According to experts, the lack of money is already hampering a rapid response and the availability of aid to the most vulnerable communities.

(reuters, red)