Over 70 health workers infected since Ebola outbreak – WHO
More than 70 healthcare workers have been infected with Ebola since the latest outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said, highlighting the growing toll on frontline responders.
According to WHO emergency officials, at least 75 medical personnel have contracted the virus, with 17 deaths recorded among them.
The infections are believed to have occurred partly because the virus circulated undetected for weeks before the outbreak was officially declared in May, leaving many health workers exposed without adequate protective equipment.
The outbreak, centred in the conflict-affected Ituri province, is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, complicating containment efforts.
Health authorities say the epidemic has already grown significantly, with hundreds of confirmed cases and rising fatalities, placing severe strain on an already fragile healthcare system.
WHO officials warn that the high number of infected medics is particularly concerning in a country with a limited healthcare workforce, noting that fear among staff is affecting response efforts as some become reluctant to treat patients.
International support is being mobilised, with additional medical teams and resources deployed to help contain the outbreak, while authorities continue to urge stronger surveillance, protective measures, and community cooperation.
The situation underscores the persistent vulnerability of frontline health workers in epidemic zones and raises concerns about the capacity to control the virus if infections among medical staff continue to rise.
