Five Ebola patients recover as Congo treatment center opens
WHO chief reports five recoveries from rare Bundibugyo virus during visit to eastern Congo, signaling new hope despite ongoing outbreak challenges.
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Five patients have recovered from Ebola in eastern Congo, the head of the World Health Organization announced Sunday during a visit to Bunia, the epicenter of the current outbreak.
"Four people will be discharged today and there was one that was discharged the day before yesterday," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during the opening of a new treatment center in Bunia. "Of course, we're still working on vaccines and treatments but that doesn't mean that people cannot recover from Ebola."
The recoveries are a significant development. The Bundibugyo virus — the current strain spreading — has no approved treatment or vaccine. This marks the first documented recovery of a confirmed Bundibugyo patient during the outbreak.
The WHO reported 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths as of Friday. Neighboring Uganda has confirmed nine cases and one death. Health officials say the virus is spreading faster than the response despite better-organized health facilities and new aid arrivals.
Community resistance remains a major obstacle. Doctors Without Borders called Saturday for immediate expansion of testing, faster deployment of aid workers, and sustained access for medical supplies. Residents have launched at least three attacks against health centers over anger about burial protocols that clash with local customs. Rebel group attacks in Ituri province have also hindered response efforts.
Tedros stressed the importance of community involvement in fighting the outbreak. "We can stop this Ebola and anyone who has it can also recover," he said.