Ebola reaches Nigeria as DRC outbreak kills 4,687 — 46 contacts grounded in Abuja

DRC's 17th Ebola outbreak has become its deadliest ever, infecting 9,704 people and killing 4,687 — a near 50% fatality rate — with the Bundibugyo strain that has no approved vaccine or treatment. The epicenter is Mongbwalu in Ituri province near the Uganda border, where 12 UNICEF-supported nurseries now care for thousands of orphaned children. Over 8,200 children have lost parents since the outbreak began five months ago; children account for one-third of deaths and over a quarter of infections.

The virus has crossed borders into Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria. Africa CDC confirms Nigeria's case is a Ugandan national who arrived in Abuja on October 3. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has ordered a 21-day no-fly restriction for 46 identified contacts. Port health authorities are screening passengers at entry points.

In Mongbwalu, caregivers like Marie Bakikula — an Ebola survivor herself — bottle-feed infants in protective gear. Psychologists report children believe they'll never see their parents again. Some orphans find homes with relatives like nurse Marie-Therese Tsesi, who took in five children found malnourished and sleeping outside after their father died. Others remain unidentified, too young to say who they are.

Armed group insecurity in Ituri restricts health access, and many community deaths go unreported. A clinical trial is underway but offers no immediate solution.

With Ebola now confirmed in Abuja, will you review your workplace sick-leave policy, avoid non-essential travel to affected regions, or trust port health screening to catch further spread?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/10/23/emergency-nurseries-rescue-dr-congos-ebola-orphans/