Congo Ebola outbreak tops 2,000 cases as hospital staff protest unpaid wages

The Ministry of Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo reported that confirmed Ebola infections have reached 2,011, including 754 fatalities, making it the largest outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain recorded to date. About 753 patients remain in isolation or hospital care, while 366 have recovered, according to the same data.

Health workers at Bunia General Hospital, the region’s main medical facility, began a strike on Wednesday, blocking the hospital entrance and demanding payment for work performed under hazardous conditions. Similar protests occurred earlier in the week at an Ebola treatment centre in Rwampara, where staff agreed to return after the government promised payment within 72 hours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that more than 100 healthcare workers have become infected since the outbreak began on May 15, and that at least 80% of new cases stem from unknown transmission chains. Contact-tracing coverage remains at 67%, hampered by displacement from armed conflict and mining-related movements.

"Many of the newly reported deaths are those who died in their communities without ever reaching a health facility and without receiving care," said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO health emergencies chief, after a visit to Bunia in the hard-hit Ituri province.

The response effort faces multiple challenges, including a funding shortfall, attacks on health facilities, ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, and mistrust among local populations. The Bundibugyo virus also lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment, unlike the more common Zaire strain that has been used in previous Congo outbreaks.