Ebola spreads to a major city

[Cannons Front]

In major population centers this can get out of hand quickly, I do not see the situation improving anytime soon

[Peter1469]

In major population centers this can get out of hand quickly, I do not see the situation improving anytime soon

That and the war going on in the region.

[Peter1469]

The WHO is considering ramping up warnings as the virus is now threatening to migrate regionally.

Which isn't surprising considering the spread to major transportation hubs.

[Peter1469]

Update: the civil war is directly affecting containment efforts and Ebola transmission and death is growing exponentially.

Ebola cases and deaths in eastern Congo have risen sharply in the past week, authorities said Tuesday, placing the blame on recurrent attacks on treatment centers and health workers.

There were 126 new cases and 83 deaths between April 22 and April 28, according to the Ministry of Health in Kinshasa.


The number of fatalities has risen rapidly, from around 600 at the end of March to over 900 a month later.



“As soon as there is a security incident, such as the destruction of the Ebola treatment centers or the murder of our colleague (from the World Health Organization), the main response activities are suspended for an indefinite period,” ministry spokeswoman Jessica Ilunga told dpa.


“Without these activities, the virus continues to spread and kill more people in the community,” she added.

[Peter1469]

Update: Ebola may spread elsewhere if attacks do not stop

The warning sides seem to want to disrupt WHO's efforts to contain the disease.

The World Health Organization warned Friday that it may not be possible to contain Ebola to the two affected provinces in eastern Congo if violent attacks on health teams continue.

The ominous statement comes amid escalating violence nine months after the outbreak began, crippling efforts to identify suspected cases in the community and vaccinate those most at risk. Earlier this week, Mai-Mai militia fighters attacked the town of Butembo at the epicenter of the crisis.


Friday’s update also noted that a burial team had been “violently attacked” after they interred an Ebola victim in the town of Katwa. The corpses of victims are highly contagious, requiring special precautions to ensure the disease is not transmitted at funerals.


Nearly five days of Ebola response activities were halted in Butembo and surrounding areas recently because of the insecurity, WHO said.


“The ongoing violent attacks sow fear, perpetuate mistrust, and further compound the multitude of challenges already faced by frontline health care workers,” it said. “Without commitment from all groups to cease these attacks, it is unlikely that this (Ebola) outbreak can remain successfully contained in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.”


The outbreak, which has killed 1,069 people, marks the first time that Ebola has struck inside a conflict zone. Eastern Congo has suffered decades of violence perpetrated by warring rebel groups and militias awash in arms.

I wonder if those figures include any of the fighters that may have contracted Ebola.

[Mini Me]

Ebola spreads to a major city

WHO does not have enough vaccines now. Expect the death toll to rise.

They should outlaw eating monkey brains for starters.

[Mini Me]

It does. Luckily Ebola has not mutated to become airborne. That will make it global.

This is really serious! Lets all panic, and bomb some African country!
Or pour hot magma all over them!

[Common Sense]

They should outlaw eating monkey brains for starters.

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[Mini Me]

Oh my lord. That is the worst. That is horrifying. Also that article talked about the experimental Ebola vaccine. Good God, that is one vaccine you don't want to be experimented on with. Darn it.... poor people. Thanks for the update though. We do need to keep tabs on this.

Is that pic you? So sweet!

[Just AnotherPerson]

Is that pic you? So sweet!

Oh no, not me :) I just like to randomly change my pic. This pic is of a little girl with flowers. I thought the picture was really beautiful. It is in the spirit of spring.