‘Every health facility said they were full’: alarm over rapid spread of Ebola in DRC
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing a severe Ebola outbreak, with healthcare facilities overwhelmed by suspected cases. Aid groups are calling for urgent international support as the virus spreads rapidly, exacerbated by cultural practices and a lack of resources. The situation is further complicated by ongoing conflict in the region, which hampers the response efforts.
- ▪Nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have been recorded since the outbreak began.
- ▪Hospitals are overwhelmed, with every facility reporting they are full of suspect cases.
- ▪Cultural burial practices are contributing to the spread of the virus, as families resist official containment measures.
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Health workers wearing protective equipment at a hospital in Mongbwalu. Photograph: Michel Lunanga/Getty ImagesNew strain of virus, aid cuts, and cultural norms around burials and touch add to difficulties in stemming outbreakBy Carlos Mureithi in Nairobi and Prosper Heri Ngorora in GomaSat 23 May 2026 09.17 EDTFirst published on Sat 23 May 2026 00.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe warnings from aid groups and healthcare workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been stark, their calls for coordinated international action impassioned.As the country reels from the return of the Ebola virus, there is growing concern that its fragile healthcare system will struggle to cope with an outbreak that experts say goes well beyond the number of confirmed cases.“The speed at…
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