DR Congo Ebola outbreak spreads, staff strike and second US patient treated in Germany
The Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have risen to 1,926 confirmed infections with 702 deaths, spreading to five provinces after reaching Haut‑Uele and Tshopo. Staff at Rwampara General Hospital in Ituri province walked out on strike, citing two months of unpaid wages, halting operations at the treatment centre.
A second U.S. citizen who contracted the virus while working for a humanitarian aid group was transferred to a special isolation unit at Frankfurt University Hospital in Germany, where his condition is reported as stable. Health officials stress that controlling the outbreak will depend on thorough contact tracing rather than vaccination, noting that an experimental monoclonal antibody (MBP134) and the antiviral remdesivir are being tested.
The World Health Organization has declared the situation a public‑health emergency of international concern. Experts warn the outbreak could continue into next year, and the risk of spread to neighboring South Sudan and Uganda remains high. Ongoing challenges include rebel activity, community mistrust, attacks on treatment centres and logistical constraints.