Doctor's Desperate Plea: "We Have No Beds" for New Ebola Strain in Congo

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is entering a dangerous new phase. Health officials have dramatically expanded treatment facilities in Ituri province to keep up with a surge of patients infected with the rare Bundibugyo virus. This strain of Ebola is different from the more common Zaire strain. It requires specific treatments and isolation protocols. Local doctors report that hospitals are now overwhelmed. "We are racing to adapt," a regional health coordinator said. "The number of new cases is growing faster than we can build new beds." The expansion includes converting existing clinics and setting up temporary wards. Medical teams are working around the clock to train staff on the unique dangers of the Bundibugyo virus, which has a lower death rate than the Zaire strain but spreads through similar contact with bodily fluids. The World Health Organization has warned that the window to contain this outbreak is narrowing. Without immediate international support, the DRC's health system—already fragile from years of conflict—may collapse under the pressure.