Ebola in Congo: at least ten students have died in Ituri
Just over a month after the start of the school year, Ebola is spreading in schools in eastern Congo. 25 students are infected and ten have died. The WHO says the outbreak continues to grow.
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At least ten students have died of Ebola in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, education officials in Bunia, capital of Ituri province, said on Thursday. In total, 25 Ebola cases have been confirmed among students at several schools in the province; seven are being treated. The deaths came just over a month after the new school year began. A provincial official urged schools to enforce the use of protective equipment and follow health guidelines.
The WHO Regional Office for Africa said in its situation report on Wednesday that the outbreak "continues to evolve" and is spreading geographically, affecting more than 65 health zones in eight provinces. According to allAfrica, it is the worst Ebola outbreak in the country's history; more than 4,000 deaths have reportedly been recorded in five months. Other healthcare is also suffering: in Bunia, weekly maternal deaths rose from an average of three to almost five. UNICEF has set up twelve nurseries for children whose parents are being treated.