Congo, Guinea Record Ebola Outbreak Re-Emergence, Might Affect COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

The West African countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Guinea have recorded an Ebola outbreak incident on Feb. 14. The re-emergence of the deadly disease might affect the distribution of vaccine shots for COVID-19.

Ebola Outbreak Re-emerges

DRC confirmed that there were already four cases of the Ebola virus in North Kivu. Now, the country braced for the reality of combatting two deadly diseases at once: Ebola and COVID-19, which claimed over 2.4 million lives worldwide. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) now considered this as a distressing remark, as the country has been coping with other problems, including extreme hunger and domestic violence.

The Ebola virus has been hitting the African nations since 1976, but Congo was one of the most affected countries to endure the long-time impact of the virus. In 2020, the Ebola outbreak in DRC killed over 2,000 people, which accounts for 66% of the population diagnosed with the virus.

Moreover, addressing Ebola in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic will be much difficult due to safety precautions and necessary protocols. Meanwhile, Guinea has also recorded three deaths during Valentines' day. The said people attended the funeral, wherein the signs of Ebola infection have been exhibited.

Out of six people who went to the funeral, four were hospitalized, and two people died. After freeing from the Ebola outbreak five years ago, the country would now face the same nightmare this week.

According to the Minister of Health of Guinea, Remy Lamah, they were planning to isolate all cases that show Ebola-like symptoms to down track down those who suffer from them. The World of Health Organization could then distribute the vaccine for the Ebola virus.

NPR reported that the Guinean government ensured that people will be taken care of for the ongoing threats of COVID-19 and the growing dangers of Ebola, according to Lamah. He added that the Guinean people should be cautious of the virus' symptoms.

Meanwhile, Kate Monger, the Regional Vice President for the Great Lakes (IRC), spoke that what happened in North Kivu is a grave danger. According to Monger, the extreme hardship that the people experience now is unbearable in the midst of many problems. She added that the African communities are only trying to construct good health facilities across the country, but the entrance of Ebola became more disastrous for all the citizens.

"It is imperative we apply the lessons learned from past outbreaks to stop the spread of Ebola in both the DRC and Guinea. The IRC stands in solidarity with the affected communities and is calling for immediate action and funding for frontline aid agencies to contain both outbreaks and prevent further spread," Monger said via Internal Rescue Committee (IRC).

For three straight years, hunger has been on close watch in Congo. Since the societal problem killed many lives, it is a matter of question and answers what to prioritize, especially when crises overlap.

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Likely To be Affected by the Ebola Outbreak

Although there are improved COVID-19 facilities, African countries will now find time and resources to build an Ebola facility. Plagued with outbreaks for decades, the affected countries have been in chaos in handling the epidemic. When compared to COVID-19, Ebola recorded a much higher death toll.

The upsurge of the decade-long virus will only mean that COVID-19 doses will likely be impacted. The distribution will be handled with care so citizens from Congo and Guinea will not be able to contract the virus or stay away from the newborn disease's dangers.

This article is owned by Tech Times.

Written by Joen Coronel