Six-year-old Ebola patient taken from DR Congo hospital found and 'doing well'
A six-year-old Ebola patient who was taken from a hospital by armed men in DR Congo has been found and is in stable condition, according to local health officials.
A six-year-old Ebola patient, who was taken from a hospital in the eastern city of Butembo by armed men on Monday, has been found and is doing well, a local health official told the BBC. Dr. Lubambo Maboko Gaston said the girl and her mother turned up at an Ebola treatment centre about 18 kilometres from Butembo, and the child's condition is now considered stable.
The incident occurred amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, which has confirmed over 890 cases and more than 230 deaths. Attacks on Ebola treatment facilities have been frequent during this outbreak, driven by suspicion and fear among the population. Local politician Luc Malembe noted that some people, especially in remote areas, believe Ebola is an invention by outsiders.
The outbreak was declared on May 15, having gone undetected for some time. It is caused by a rare species of Ebola known as Bundibugyo, for which there is currently no vaccine. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said it could take months to develop a vaccine. The head of Africa's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned that this could become one of the largest Ebola outbreaks ever.
Neighbouring Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, but no new cases since June 5. DR Congo's health ministry has enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and treatment infrastructure. WHO has pledged $3.9 million, while Africa CDC has announced a $319 million budget. Cases are concentrated in the provinces of Ituri, South Kivu, and North Kivu, with Ituri accounting for more than 90% of infections.
