Congo says Ebola deaths top 100 as armed groups threaten response

DAKAR — The Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday reported that confirmed Ebola deaths have risen to 101, as the presence of armed groups continues to hinder response efforts in the hardest-hit provinces.

The outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola was declared on May 15, although officials later said the virus had gone undetected for several weeks, leaving health authorities behind the curve and struggling to contain its spread.

The outbreak is affecting three provinces long plagued by armed conflict: Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.

In its latest situation report released Monday, the government said there were 35 new confirmed cases in the previous 24 hours, including 10 deaths. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 550 and confirmed deaths to 101.

Cases have been recorded in 17 health zones in Ituri province, seven health zones in North Kivu, and one health zone in South Kivu.

Health authorities said mistrust and resistance among communities have hampered response efforts. There have also been reported attacks on burial teams and treatment centers.

The most recent incident occurred on Sunday, when a burial team was targeted at Nyamurongo cemetery in Bunia. Two people were seriously injured, and two vehicles were damaged, according to a source familiar with the government response.

The situation report also said the presence of armed groups in Djugu, Irumu, and Mambasa in Ituri continues to limit humanitarian access in several affected or at-risk health zones. It added that Bunia, the provincial capital, remains relatively calm.

Earlier on Monday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported slightly different figures, saying confirmed cases had risen to 544 and confirmed deaths stood at 88.

-Reporting by Congo newsroom and Anait Miridzhanian; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by Alexander Winning and Daniel Wallis/Reuters