Congo's violence allows Ebola to spread, WHO director says

Harrison Cook -

Public health workers are struggling to combat and contain the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to STAT.

Here are four things to know:

1. A military encampment near a hotel in the city of Beni housing some Ebola responders was hit by a shell that did not detonate. The aftermath prompted an evacuation of 16 personnel experiencing emotional distress. The responders asked officials to heighten security.

2. As of Nov. 19, there have been 366 confirmed and probable Ebola infection cases with 214 of those cases resulting in death.

3. STAT interviewed Tedros Ghebreyesus, MD, director of the World Health Organization, who visited Beni in early November.

"The attacks have increased since Ebola started, both in intensity and frequency. So it's a very dangerous situation," Dr. Ghebreyesus told STAT. "The insecurity is a virus. And there is another virus, Ebola. Managing two viruses at the same time is tough, but at the same time, we're having an impact."

4. When asked if the Congo's elections might incite more violence, Dr. Gebreyesus told STAT that Ebola is an enemy to everyone and should not be used to politicize. Political parties in the Congo have been informed of this issue.

To read STAT's interview with Dr. Ghebreyesus, click here.

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