Teachers at the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak are calling for a delayed reopening of schools due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak BUNIA, Congo -- Parents and teachers at the epicenter of Congo's fast-moving Ebola outbreak are urging authorities to delay the reopening of schools as infections continue to outpace efforts to contain the disease. The Ebola outbreak centered in the eastern Ituri province is the fastest-growing in the disease's history and remains out of control with 5,713 confirmed cases, including 2,744 deaths, according to Congolese health authorities. Schools are set to reopen across Congo on Sept. 1, but some teachers and parents in Ituri are urging authorities to delay the return, saying the Ebola outbreak still poses too great a risk to children.
Children aged 4 and below have the highest case-fatality rate of any age group in the outbreak, at 60%, according to available health data. Authorities in Ituri did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike and intense population movements.
The World Health Organization has said it remains out of control and is on track to surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, the deadliest on record, which killed more than 11,000 people. Although the current outbreak was declared in mid-May, officials believe it had been spreading since February. It has spread from three health zones to nearly 60, with most cases and deaths occurring outside the network of monitored contacts and within communities.
A key challenge in fighting the outbreak is that the rare Bundibugyo virus that is causing it has no approved vaccines or treatments, although clinical trials of potential vaccines and treatments have begun in the region. Efforts to bring the outbreak under control — from limited public gatherings to social distancing and airport closures — have disrupted life in the six affected provinces, particularly Ituri, which has been ravaged by rebel violence. The government has introduced measures, including installing health and sanitary equipment at some locations, but advocacy groups say more needs to be done to build trust within the community.
She said she wants her children in school, but worries about their safety. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events
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