The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to worsen. Government data released on Thursday showed that the country has now recorded 1,155 confirmed cases, including 304 deaths.
Health authorities reported that the virus continues to spread in eastern parts of the country, while children remain among the most vulnerable victims of the outbreak.
New Cases Continue to Increase
The latest situation report showed that health officials confirmed 37 new Ebola cases and five new deaths during the previous 24 hours. Officials said stronger epidemiological and laboratory surveillance has helped detect infections earlier. However, the improved monitoring has also confirmed that community transmission continues to grow week after week.
UNICEF Warns About the Impact on Children
UNICEF said the outbreak has left many children without parents and exposed them to fear and misinformation. “Our teams in Ituri have met children who have lost their mothers, and in some cases both parents, to Ebola," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Children are trying to make sense of the threat while surrounded by rumors and online misinformation.”
Aid workers continue to provide support to affected families as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
Children Face the Highest Risk
Children and teenagers account for about 15 percent of all confirmed Ebola cases in eastern DRC. However, they represent more than 25 percent of all confirmed deaths recorded as of June 19.
Health officials said children with confirmed Ebola are almost twice as likely to die as infected adults. The figures highlight the severe impact of the outbreak on younger people.
Apart from the disease itself, many children have lost parents or caregivers. Others face stigma, emotional trauma and psychological distress. Health experts also warned that infectious disease outbreaks often increase the risk of violence, including sexual violence, against women and girls.
Ebola Cases Reported in Uganda
The outbreak has also spread across the border into Uganda. Health authorities have confirmed 20 Ebola cases and two deaths among people who travelled from the DRC to Uganda for testing and treatment.
Children have also been affected in Uganda. One child has tested positive for Ebola, while 19 other children remain under quarantine as health officials monitor their condition.
UNICEF Appeals for More Funding
UNICEF is seeking $70.7 million to support its six-month Ebola response across the region. The agency said it still faces a funding gap of about $20 million. The money forms part of the multi-partner Ebola Preparedness and Response Continental Plan, which aims to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the deadly disease.
Health officials continue to strengthen surveillance, treatment and community awareness efforts as they work to stop the Ebola outbreak from expanding further across Central Africa.