'Ebola has tortured us': Fear grips eastern DR Congo as deadly virus spreads

When BBC Africa reporters visited villages outside Bukavu, the Ebola outbreak had already overturned daily life for many residents. A representative of a fishing community said: 'Ebola has tortured us, half the families have shut themselves indoors.' Markets have been closed, schools suspended and transport restricted.

The World Health Organization said suspected cases have now exceeded 600, while 139 deaths have been recorded. A large part of the affected area sits on the line of conflict between the M23 rebel group and government forces, which is a significant obstacle to both vaccination campaigns and contact-tracing efforts. The Ervebo vaccine may not be effective against the new variant, and officials warn the response could take up to nine months.

The Congolese Ministry of Health has asked Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda for help in setting up temporary health posts in affected villages. UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières have created a joint response team. The BBC report stresses that civilians say a comprehensive vaccination programme is impossible until peace is established. Authorities said daily updates will continue in the coming days.