Since early May, at least 30 people have died in a displaced persons camp in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to camp officials. They state that such a high death toll is unprecedented, and based on the symptoms exhibited by patients, it may indicate that the Ebola virus is rapidly spreading in the area.
Camp spokespersons and aid organization Caritas have reported that due to patients and their families at the Bunia’s Kigonze camp in eastern Congo refusing tests until Thursday, the cause of death for the deceased is yet to be confirmed.
However, a camp spokesperson, a grieving father, three aid workers, and a civil society leader have told Reuters that the deceased had shown symptoms such as headaches, fever, and vomiting, all typical signs of Ebola infection.
Kigonze is home to over 15,000 residents. These deaths have raised concerns that the Ebola virus may be spreading undetected among over 5 million displaced persons in eastern Congo. Resistance to testing has exacerbated the serious lack of hygiene measures.
Camp chairman Dz’djo Ndrutsi Etienne stated that ten people were buried just this week. Camp spokesperson Desire Grodya Bapi mentioned that under normal circumstances, the camp records 1 to 3 deaths per month.
“Recently, we have witnessed a disease known as Ebola. However, samples were only collected today to confirm if it is the Ebola virus. Currently, we are awaiting test results,” Etienne said.
Justin Zanamuzi, director of the Catholic aid organization Caritas, mentioned that his team saw several bodies covered with sheets on Wednesday, including that of a pregnant woman and children.
“Our team tried to convince people to allow doctors to inspect the bodies, but they completely refused,” Zanamuzi said.
Kato Lonu, a 47-year-old resident of the camp, lost two children, one of whom was only 6 months old.
“No one should live in such an environment. Look around, people are dying one after another,” he said.