Medical teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to combat new Ebola virus infections more than four months after the outbreak began, which has spread across several regions of the country.
Despite reports from authorities and the United Nations about progress achieved in some affected areas, the situation remains alarming in North Kivu province, where new cases are being recorded.
At the Kitatumba Ebola treatment center in Butembo, 239 patients have been admitted since its opening on June 30, including 113 confirmed cases of Ebola. Of these, 36 people have recovered, and 104 patients with unconfirmed cases have been discharged.
Kakule Kihasaki Samson, the center's medical director, stated that it is premature to say that the outbreak is under control. He noted that new positive cases continue to be registered daily, with up to 10 such cases sometimes recorded in Butembo per day.
According to Samson, poverty, trauma, and resistance to healthcare measures complicate the fight, as some residents refuse help or do not adhere to safety rules.
Healthcare facilities are also facing capacity issues. According to Tussina Selemani, head of medical activities in Butembo, the center, supported by 'Médecins Sans Frontières' (Doctors Without Borders), has 29 beds but is operating beyond full capacity.
Selemani reported that the organization advocates for increasing capacity to accommodate a larger number of patients. Nevertheless, despite the difficulties, some patients have managed to recover and return home.
Kavira Justin, who survived Ebola, was discharged from the Kitatumba center on Monday after two weeks of treatment. She shared that although she arrived in very serious condition, she feels better thanks to God's help.
Mari Masika, who accompanied her two children after recovering from Ebola, strongly urged people to seek help immediately as symptoms appear. She emphasized that those who die often present at a late stage of the disease, but if they seek help in time, people can recover.
Medical teams continue to conduct surveillance, treatment, and preventive measures in Butembo, working to contain the spread of the virus in North Kivu.
