(ITURI PROVINCE) – The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached 291, as the government expands quarantine measures to stop the virus from spreading further.
The outbreak was officially declared on 15 May in Ituri province. Since then, 1,118 confirmed cases of Ebola have been recorded. The fatality rate stands at nearly 26 percent, causing serious concern among health authorities and international agencies.
On Thursday, the DRC government announced compulsory 21 day quarantine for all travellers leaving affected areas. Officials said the period matches the maximum time it takes for Ebola symptoms to appear after a person is infected. The measure is meant to help identify cases early and prevent new infections.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. This strain is rarer than other types seen in past outbreaks. Health experts say a major challenge is that there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, unlike some previous Ebola outbreaks.
The government has already suspended all flights to and from the city of Bunia, the centre of the outbreak in Ituri. Only flights carrying health workers with special permits are being allowed.
Rwanda has responded with its own restrictions. It has imposed compulsory quarantine on its citizens arriving from DRC. It has also banned entry to any foreign visitors who have been to or passed through DRC in the previous 30 days. Rwanda said no Ebola case has been recorded on its soil, but it has strengthened screening at borders and at Kigali airport.
France has confirmed its first case of Ebola linked to the DRC outbreak. A doctor who had been working in eastern DRC tested positive for the virus after returning to Europe. The case has raised fears of wider international spread.
The World Health Organisation has warned that the fight against Ebola is being hampered by security problems, lack of funds and mistrust between communities and health workers. Experts say that without international cooperation and strict public health measures, this outbreak could become the worst ever seen in the region.