When the last Ebola outbreak in DR Congo was declared over, I breathed a sigh of relief. As long as our neighbours aren’t being ravaged by one of the deadliest diseases ever known, we are safe. Yet barely a year later, here we are again: another outbreak, hundreds of confirmed cases, and this time including Uganda.
That should give us many reasons for concern.
Since Ebola was identified in the DRC in 1976, this is the 17th outbreak. That means, we have already ridden our luck too many times. If Ebola outbreaks continue recurring in the DRC year after year, the probability that one eventually reaches deeper into our communities rises over time. And, knowing Bongo: our packed daladalas, bustling mama ntilie joints, fragile health clinics, and overflowing public toilets – that is a condition for a perfect storm.
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Ebola deaths reach 200 in DRC as cases rise in Uganda
