Nearly 1400 people have lost their lives to the Wrath of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus first appeared in Africa in the year 1976, but the recent outbreak has been described as even worse. Dr. Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, stated that the epidemic is showing “no sign of stopping”.
The outbreak has spread to the neighboring country Uganda where there have been reports of Two deaths as a result of the virus. One victim is described as a Five-Year-old boy and the other is his 50-Year-old Grandmother. Six other suspected cases of Ebola have also been reported.
Dr. Farrar described the epidemic as “tragic but not surprising” and also stated that there are more cases expected to rise and the need for an international response to prevent the virus from spreading is crucial.
“The DRC should not have to face this alone,” he said. The outbreak has continued to grow for 8 months since it was first identified and urgent help is needed to prevent the spread to neighboring countries. Another factor that are hindering the prevention methods are that Congo has been a warzone for many years and it is difficult to get health workers in the region.
The militia group are not welcoming to foreign medical assistance and often resort to violence. They have already attacked over 200 health facilities and health workers are now reluctant to take an initiative to help.
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