Rising Fear Among People: Unveiling the Causes Behind the Growing Anxiety

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), the number of confirmed Ebola cases has risen to 321. Three provinces in this Central African country are affected, with 48 deaths confirmed, the DR Congo has reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) now estimates almost 1,000 suspected cases.

The region in the east of the DR Congo is hard to access, rebel groups are fighting each other. Displacements and armed conflicts make the situation very complex, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a visit to the provincial capital, Bunia. However, the outbreak must be contained.

Education is Crucial – People are Afraid

The situation remains very tense, also reported Katharina von Schroeder of the aid organization “Save the Children” on the ARD Morning Show. “Our teams report new suspected cases and also deaths every day. People are very afraid,” said von Schroeder, who is currently in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. There is also uncertainty and fear of infection among healthcare workers. Therefore, education and sufficient materials to protect against infection are even more important – for example, through special suits.

However, resources are limited, and there is no vaccine against the virus yet. According to aid organizations and the United Nations, drastic cuts in humanitarian aid and contributions to various UN programs also complicate the containment of the infectious disease. Much therefore arrives too late. There are also delays in research for treatment options.

In light of the rapid spread in DR Congo and also in the neighboring country of Uganda, the WHO had previously declared a global health emergency. Unlike a pandemic, the global risk of infection is considered low, as the Bundibugyo virus, a relative of the Ebola virus, is transmitted through close body contact and body fluids.

Deaths at Protests Against US Quarantine Center

The USA had nevertheless announced plans to set up a quarantine and treatment center for US citizens in the East African state of Kenya. This was intended to prevent potentially infected Americans in DR Congo from having to be flown home. The plans had met with massive protests in Kenya itself. According to the organizer, two people died during a demonstration. Last Friday, the Supreme Court of Kenya had already ordered the suspension of the construction of the facility and the arrival of foreign patients.

The lawsuit was filed by the Kenyan Bar Association and the constitutional protection organization “Katiba Institute”. It was argued that Kenya’s fragile health system was unable to care for foreign patients. Kenya’s President William Ruto, however, defended the U.S. plans. “We know what we are doing. People should calm down,” said Ruto.