UN Warns of Growing Ebola Threats in Camps in Eastern DR Congo

The United Nations today strongly and urgently warned about the growing risk of Ebola transmission in overcrowded displacement camps in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak continues to strain local resources, and humanitarian organisations are working against the clock to contain transmission before it reaches catastrophic levels.

Why the Risk Is So Great

The vulnerabilities in the region have made an alarming environment for infectious diseases to flourish:

• Overcrowded and Unsanitary Conditions: More than 270,000 displaced people are currently sheltered in camps in Ituri Province. It’s even more difficult to contain any contagious disease when you are living in tight quarters with very limited access to clean water and sanitation.

• Ebola Cases in the Camps: Humanitarian workers have confirmed that Ebola infections have already been reported in at least 16 different displacement camps across the province, putting thousands of vulnerable lives at risk.

• Treatment challenges: Compounding the problem, the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, and there are no widely approved vaccines or specific licenced medical treatments available for it at this time.

Response on the Ground

Total confirmed cases are now over 2,400. UN agencies and local aid groups are racing to install handwashing stations, distribute needed hygiene supplies and raise vital public health awareness locally. But ongoing regional security issues and a dire lack of resources are making it very difficult to keep up with the spread of the virus. Officials are urgently calling for more international support and immediate funding to protect vulnerable populations and stop the outbreak in its tracks.