Ebola Claims Second Life In Goma

Ebola has claimed another victim in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) city of Goma, taking the total number of fatalities during the current outbreak to 1,803. It is the second most deadly outbreak on record, after the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa that killed more than 11,000. 

The death is the first recorded in Goma since July 16 when a preacher who had travelled to an affected area died of the disease. Reports also suggest the daughter of the most recent victim has also contracted the disease.

Goma is a city of two million people and a key transport hub in the region. The border between Goma and Rwandan city Gisenyi has since been closed in a bid to prevent the spread. Rwanda has set up a treatment centre in preparation and has established 23 isolation centres to deal with any potential infections.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently categorised the outbreak as a global health emergency and has been raising funds to step up the response. In addition to the $100 million already provided, the World Bank in July announced it would contribute an extra $300 million to the effort.