Officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo say there is no need for panic as the country responds to a growing Ebola outbreak.
Government Response
Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya said the country has extensive experience handling Ebola outbreaks and has deployed medical teams and public information campaigns in the affected region of Ituri province.
Outbreak Numbers
The DRC has reported 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths. The World Health Organization has confirmed 134 cases and 18 deaths in the DRC and neighboring Uganda.
Officials are also monitoring more than 2,600 contacts of suspected cases, while 125 people are receiving treatment.
Challenges Ahead
Muyaya cited misinformation as a major obstacle, with some residents questioning how Ebola spreads. He emphasized that Ebola is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, not through the air like COVID-19, and said daily public updates are helping combat false information.
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