Ebola outbreak: DRC confirms more cases – "We are VERY concerned" | World | New

The current epidemic in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri in Congo has recorded 140 confirmed cases since July, of which 108 have died, according to the daily bulletin of the Ministry, which yields an average of one to two new confirmed cases per day in recent weeks.

The ministry said the five new cases were in the Beni regional center, where attacks by rebel groups in the region and local mistrust of the Ebola campaign have disrupted the programs. treatment and vaccination.

"The city of Beni has become the new focus of the disease, recording the highest percentage of cases reported in recent weeks as a result of some families' resistance to the community," the group said in a statement.

The fight against Ebola has progressed in recent years since its discovery near the Congo River in 1976, but rumors, misinformation and a preference for traditional medical practices have hindered the deployment of effective treatments during the current outbreak.

Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the epidemic was at a critical juncture due to security threats, mistrust of the community and increased geographic spread of the disease.

"We are very worried about the possibility that the virus is spreading in Uganda, but also in Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of WHO.

Last month, the WHO warned of violent clashes between armed groups, the resistance of the community to public health officials and the geographical spread of the disease worsened the situation.

Dr. Peter Salama said, "We are now extremely concerned that there are many factors that can come together over the next few weeks and months to create a perfect storm.

"A perfect storm, an active conflict limiting our ability to access civilians, a mistrust on the part of segments of the community already traumatized by decades of conflict and assassinations, driven by fear of an illness terrifying, but also exploited and manipulated by local politicians before the elections. "

WHO's warnings echo those of Dr. Inger Damon of the US-based Center for Disease Control.

He told Express.co.uk earlier last month: "Education is the key, it's something we see with every outbreak.

"A good engagement with the community is essential.

"If they do not have the right kind of information, they tend to be very responsive.