The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with a new Ebola outbreak just five months after declaring its previous epidemic over.The Bundibugyo strain, a type of Ebola virus first identified in neighbouring Uganda, is highly lethal and is spreading rapidly across the northeastern province of Ituri, including the health zones of Rwampara, Mongwalu and Bunia. Two cases have also been confirmed in Uganda.Recommended Stories list of 1 itemend of listWith no specific treatment available, prevention, early detection and isolation of cases are critical.The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern” after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths were reported.“People are dying here every day,” an official in the Rwampara health zone who requested anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media told Al Jazeera.Rwampara, the epicentre of the outbreak, has recorded an average of five deaths daily over the past three days, according to the official.“Some are in the community and others in healthcare facilities. The top priority here is to set up an emergency Ebola treatment centre,” he added.In Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, fear and uncertainty grip the city“We are shocked that Ebola has returned amid an ongoing humanitarian and security crisis. If not contained, our daily lives will be severely affected,” said Constant Ulimwengu, 40, a father of five, to Al JazeeraSherif Musa, 29, another Bunia resident, recalled attending several funerals in April for people who died after sho …
